School of Education

Dr. Tina O’Neal is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at Indiana University.

Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. O’Neal gained extensive experience as a special education teacher, coordinator, and consultant in Detroit, Michigan.

She currently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in urban education, with a focus on assistive technology, disability studies, disability law, instructional strategies (with an emphasis on positive behavior supports), and multicultural and global education.

Dr. O’Neal’s research explores teacher perceptions of inclusive education in urban and global contexts. Her scholarship draws on Disability Critical Race Theory (DisCrit), intersectionality, and culturally sustaining pedagogy, with particular attention to how educators understand and implement assistive technology, culturally responsive practices, and trauma-informed care.

As an International Faculty Fellow, Dr. O’Neal leads Inspire, Educate, Transform, a faculty-led study abroad program in Ghana. This immersive experience engages pre-service teachers in comparative education, with a focus on inclusive teaching practices in both U.S. and Ghanaian classrooms. Her work in Ghana also includes collaborative research with local educators and institutions, and an ongoing focus on inclusive education for students with disabilities, including those who are deaf, blind, or have cerebral palsy.

• Ph.D., Special Education Leadership, Wayne State University, 2018
• M.Ed., Special Education Major: Wayne State University, 2010
• B.S., Major: Elementary Education. Wayne State University, 2006
• MI Teaching Certification K-5 Elementary Ed; K-12 Special Education; 6th -8th Language Arts

• K307: Methods for Teaching Students with Special Needs
• K420: Technology Applications in Teaching
• K510: Technology Applications
• K505: Introduction to Special Education
• K453: Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support
• K780: Seminar: Assistive Technology and Low Incidence
• K785: Internship in Special Education
• J655: Multicultural and Global Education
• Y521: Methodological Approaches to Educational Inquiry

• Assistive Technology Integration
• Teacher Preparation and Development
• Special Education in Urban Settings
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
• Global and International Education

My research focuses on enhancing teacher preparation through the integration of assistive technologies to support diverse learners, addressing equity and inclusion challenges within urban special education settings, and promoting culturally responsive pedagogy to create inclusive learning environments. Additionally, I explore how global perspectives can inform and improve inclusive education practices worldwide.

Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology

• "Voices from Ghana: Perspectives on Inclusive Education and Leadership in the Educational Landscape"
• "Improving Teacher Success in Urban Settings: Integrating Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Trauma-Informed Education"

2021 Trustees’ Teaching Award Recipient; School of Education, Indiana University

• O’Neal, T. (2022, June) Presentation: “Meeting of the Minds: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Education”: University of Hamburg - Germany
• O’Neal, T. (2022, February) Presentation: Association of Teacher Educator; Improving Teacher Success in Urban Settings: Integrating Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Trauma-Informed Education
• O’Neal, T. (2021, September) Panelist: Associate Instructor Orientation Program: Strategies and Tips for Encouraging Student Engagement in Class: IU School of Education
• O’Neal, T. (2021, January) Panelist: Inspire Living-Learning Center: Understanding Special Education in Public Schools: IU School of Education
• O’Neal, T. (2021, January) Presentations: Office of Teacher Education: EdTPA: Making Good Choices: IU School of Education
• O’Neal, T. (2021, October) Keynote: Young Women’s Leadership Summit: How do I INVEST: A workshop on Self-development and Higher Education: City of Bloomington

• 2020 Indiana University - Racial Justice Research Fund - Project Title: Improving Teacher Success in Urban Settings: Integrating Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Trauma-Informed Education)
• 2019 Indiana University - School of Education: Proffitt Summer Faculty - Project Title: Examining the Use of Interactive Web-based Modules and Online Audio Reflections for Pre-Service Teachers Self-Efficacy on the Implementation of Assistive Technology

• Association of Teacher Educators (ATE)
• National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
• The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
• National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) 
• American Educational Research Association (AERA)
• Assistive Technology Initiatives Association (ATIA)