Laura McCormack

Ph.D. student, Education

Research Interest:

Laura’s research interests lie in the intersectionality of educational testing for students with disabilities and finding the best instructional teaching practices for explicit reading development for both typical and atypical learners. She is working to research and support teachers in their understanding of identifying students with exceptionalities. Laura hopes to assist identified students and families navigate special education procedures and laws within the public school system.

Road to the Moody School:

Before her time as a doctoral student at SMU, Laura earned her B.A. and M.Ed. from Southern Methodist University and spent nine years as a classroom teacher. She also worked as a primary academic specialist, and both opportunities allowed for her to gain insight into how students are identified with learning differences. Working to obtain her Educational Diagnostician certification, Laura has been focused on testing procedures and reducing testing anxiety. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her golden retrievers, painting, and Pilates.