Andrea C Espinoza

A proud Tucsonense, Andrea Espinoza is an educator and scholar dedicated to strengthening public education for students with disabilities, particularly those navigating various systemic barriers. With an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from the University of Arizona’s Humanizing and Culturally Affirming Teaching (HCAT) program, Andrea has worked alongside youth to cultivate their academic growth and self-advocacy as a special and general education teacher. Now a Ph.D. student in Special Education and a recipient of a prestigious grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), her research focuses on the intersections of community collaboration, student voice and local special education policy. Andrea is committed to advancing research that drives sustainable access to high-quality public education, ensuring that youth with disabilities experience safety, community and opportunity within their schooling. Through her work, she seeks to inform systemic improvements in K-12 special education policy and practice.