Melinda Pierson

Education and Credentials

• Ph.D. Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Quantitative Statistics and Cross-Cultural Education, University of California, Riverside
• M.S. Special Education, California State University, Fullerton, Learning Handicapped Credential, California State University, Fullerton
• Single Subject Credential in English with a History Authorization, Westmont College

Melinda R. Pierson, Ph.D. has been a Professor in the Department of Special Education at California State University, Fullerton since 2002 and was an Assistant Professor at Cal Poly Pomona for three years prior to CSUF. She was the Department Chair for Special Education for 15 years as well as the Director of the Center for International Partnerships in Education. She has led over 150 students on study abroad programs to Haiti and Germany as well as co-leads international teacher training research projects among educators from more than 10 countries.

Dr. Pierson has written over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and grants which focus on literacy, inclusion, international teacher training, and effective teaching strategies in addition to presenting hundreds of times at state, national, and international conferences. She has trained teachers in 15 countries and works in Africa each summer. She is currently supporting the opening of a new school in the Mathare Valley through Missions of Hope International which supports 39 schools in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.

Dr. Pierson also loved her time as a teacher in the Ontario-Montclair School District and San Marcos Unified School District while she earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. She has taught kids from preschool through 12th grade and loves junior high teaching the most! She continues to support teachers as a consultant in numerous school districts around California and in many other states.

Courses Taught

• EDD 741 Qualitative Research Methods

Areas of Expertise

• Learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, literacy education, international teacher training, mental health and wellness in education