Glennda McKeithan
- Associate Teaching Professor
Contact Info
Personal Links
Biography —
Dr. Glennda McKeithan is an Associate Teaching Professor and Co-Area Coordinator for the University of Kansas Autism Spectrum Disorder MSE and Graduate Certificate programs. With over 20 years of experience in general and special education settings, Dr. McKeithan brings extensive expertise in supporting students with autism through evidence-based interventions, curriculum design, and inclusive instructional strategies. She holds a BA in English, an MEd in Special Education, and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina State University. Her professional background includes work as a K-12 teacher, administrator, educational consultant, faculty advisor, teacher mentor, coordinating teacher, and college supervisor, all grounded in a deep commitment to supporting educators and improving learning outcomes for diverse student populations. Dr. McKeithan’s research interests focus on practical, high-leverage strategies to meet the needs of students with autism in general education settings, the application of evidence-based practices, and the development of effective online instruction and gamification. Dr. McKeithan’s teaching and research reflect her core belief that learning should be meaningful, engaging, and accessible to all students. She continues to support educators and graduate students in finding creative and evidence-based ways to make that belief a reality.
Selected Publications —
Mockovciak, A. M., McKeithan, G. K., Johnson, X. T., Griswold, D. G., & Rivera, M. O. (2023). Special education teacher attrition. International Journal of Education and Training Studies, 11(3), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.19080/GJIDD.2023.11.555811
Rivera, M. O., & McKeithan, G. K. (2022). Progress Monitoring of Language Acquisition and Academic Content for English Learners. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 37(3). 216-25. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/ldrp.12290
Sabornie, E. J., McKeithan, G. K., & Pearson. J. N. (2022). Classroom Management of Learners with autism. In E. J. Sabornie & K. Connolly (Eds.), Handbook of classroom management (3rd ed.). 517-533. Routledge. ISBN 9781032224367
McKeithan, G. K., Rivera, M. O., Mann, L. E., & Mann, L. B. (2021). Strategies to enhance student engagement in online settings. International Journal of Education and Training Studies, 9(4), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v9i4.5135
McKeithan, G. K., Rivera, M. O., & Robinson, G. (2021). High-leverage instructional practices for students with autism and mild disabilities in traditional and remote learning settings. Global Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 7(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.19080/GJIDD.2021.07.555719
McKeithan, G. K., Cullinan, D.A., Pennington, M., & Conroy, D. S. (2020). Obstacles to the success of regular classroom teachers serving students with high-functioning autism. International Journal of Education and Training Studies, 8(11), 22-32. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v8i11.5039
McKeithan, G. K., & Sabornie, E. J. (2020). Social-behavioral interventions for secondary-level students with high-functioning autism in public school settings: A meta-analysis. Focus on Autism and Other Disabilities, 35(3), 165-175. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357619890312
Mendoza, A., L., McKeithan, G. K., & Griswold, D. E. (2019). Effective home-school programming for students with autism spectrum disorder. Home School Researcher Perspectives, 34(3), 1-5. https://www.nheri.org/effective-homeschool-programming-for-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorder/
Rivera, M. O., & McKeithan, G. K. (2019). High-leverage social-emotional and behavioral practices for students with disabilities in inclusive settings. Educational Review, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2019.1632800
Mckeithan, G. K., & Sabornie, E. J. (2019). Interventions for secondary students with high functioning autism in General Education Settings: A Descriptive Review. Exceptionality, 27(2) 81-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/09362835.2017.1359607
McKeithan, G. K. (2017). Controversial therapies for autism and intellectual disabilities: Fad, fashion, and science in professional practice. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 63(3) 83-85. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2016.1273630
Selected Presentations —
McKeithan, G. K., Johnson, X. T. (2023, July 15). Using chatGPT to support critical thinking and engage exceptional learners on a deeper level. [2nd Exceptional Learner Summit]. North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, Wake Forest NC, United States.
Taufiq, N. & McKeithan, G. K. (2023, February 17). Hurdles in autism diagnosis. [36th Annual Conference ]. North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, Raleigh NC, United States.
Crumpler, C. & McKeithan, G. K. (2023, February 17). Strategies that work and matter for all learners: From English learners to the academically gifted. [36th Annual Conference ]. North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, Raleigh NC, United States.
Parker, D. R., & McKeithan, G. K. (2023, February 17). Supporting parents of young children with autism. [36th Annual Conference ]. North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, Raleigh NC, United States.
McKeithan, G. K., & Griswold, D. (2022, October 15). Social cognition and academic achievement for learners with HFA. [Fall Special and Gifted Education Summit]. The Association for the Gifted in North Carolina Fall Conference, Online NC, United States.
McKeithan, G. K., & Johnson, X. (2022, October 15). Gifted learners with autism: Meeting the needs of twice-exceptional students. [Fall Special and Gifted Education Summit]. The Association for the Gifted in North Carolina Fall Conference, Online NC, United States.
Awards & Honors —
- 2023-24 North Carolina Division of Autism & Developmental Disabilities (DADD) * Distinguished Service Award
- 2021-22 North Carolina Division for Early Childhood (DEC) * Distinguished Service Award
- 2018-20 North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children Executive Board Member Executive Board Service Award (Secretary & Webmaster)
- 2016-17 North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children President’s Award