From Teacher to Researcher: Lessons on Inclusion from Melissa Defayette

Melissa Defayette — Third‑year PhD student in Special Education at the University of Maryland; advanced to candidacy in Fall 2022. Her research focuses on designing and implementing math interventions for students with moderate to severe disabilities in general education settings aligned to grade‑level content. She previously taught special education in Maryland for about seven years and has co‑authored three articles with a research team led by her advisor, Dr. Yakubova.

Note: In the interview (recorded early 2022), Melissa describes being a second‑year PhD student preparing for candidacy; she later achieved candidacy in Fall 2022.

Tim and Melissa dig into the gap between research and classroom practice in inclusive education—why we have decades of evidence for social and communication benefits but far less on academic outcomes for students with extensive support needs. They talk candidly about teacher mindsets, alternate assessments, and shifting from chasing “the standard” to measuring growth, and Melissa shares how a middle‑school moment first pushed her toward inclusion advocacy.

Complete notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/melissa-defayette-transitioning-from-teacher-to-researcher-2/