Dr. Sharde Theodore is an Assistant Professor at Morgan State University and research faculty for the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities (NCEED). She brings nearly a decade of experience across the educational spectrum, from classroom instruction to federal education policy, driven by a deep commitment to equity and inclusion in special education. A proud alumna of a HBCU, Dr. Theodore earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Special Education, from North Carolina A&T State University. She went on to teach kindergarten through third grade in Miami, Florida, while simultaneously earning a Master’s degree in Special Education from Florida International University. Her commitment to driving change in education led her to deepen her research expertise by earning an Education Specialist degree in Teaching and Learning, followed by a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Special Education, both from Florida International University. Prior to her current role, Dr. Theodore served as an Education Program Specialist at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. In this position, she applied her expertise as an educator, scholar, and researcher to support national initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for students with disabilities.

Dr. Theodore’s research agenda centers on eliminating educational disparities for marginalized students with disabilities and strengthening the recruitment, preparation, and retention of diverse special education personnel. She is especially committed to bridging research, policy, and practice to cultivate inclusive, culturally affirming learning environments for marginalized students with disabilities.