Skerbetz 1
Mandi Davis Skerbetz, Ed.D.
3023 Grey Fox Circle
Bridgeville, PA 15017
412-651-0581
Education
Ed.D.2013University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PASpecial Education
M.S.2004Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PASpecial Education
B.S.2002Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA Elementary Education
Certifications
Pennsylvania Department of Education:Elementary Education (K-6)
Special Education (N-12)
Supervision of Special Education
2014Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET), Trauma Aware Schools
2014Youth Mental Health First Aid, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
2012Trauma Intervention, Crisis Management Institute
2002-09Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Crisis Prevention Institute
Professional Experience
2013-Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Special Education, Department of Instruction and Learning
Coordinator of Budget, Recruitment, and Induction for the MOSAIC Program
Coordinator of the Special Education Supervision Certificate Program
2013Adjunct Professor, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
2009-13Adjunct Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
2006-13Director of Pupil Services, Propel Schools, Pittsburgh, PA
2003-12Director of Extended School Year, Propel Schools, Pittsburgh, PA
2003-08Special Education Teacher, Propel Schools, Pittsburgh, PA
2002-03Therapeutic Support Staff, Pressley Ridge Behavioral Health, Pittsburgh, PA
2001-03Clinical Aide, Watson Institute, Sewickley, PA
1998-02America Reads Tutor, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pittsburgh, PA
Awards and Honors
2015 Council of Graduate Students in Education Extra Mile Award, University of Pittsburgh
2014 Faculty Fellow, Center for Urban Education, University of Pittsburgh
2014Putting Theory Into Practice Dissertation Presentation Award, Forum for Western Pennsylvania School Superintendents
Grants
Lemons, C.J., Conway, S., Srsic, A., Kostewicz, D.E., & Lyon, S. (2012-2016). Restructuring and Improving Special Education (RISE). Office of Special Education Projects, U.S. Department of Education. ($1,494,765) Co-Coordinator.
Resnick, J., Wooten, C., & Skerbetz, M. D. (2012-2013). Charter Schools Program Non-State Educational Agency (Non-SEA) Dissemination Grant. Office of Innovation and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education. ($126,941). Principal Coordinator.
Skerbetz, M. D. & Kostewicz, D. E. (2010) Academic choice menus for students with E/BD in inclusive settings. Student/Faculty Research Grant, University of Pittsburgh ($2,381). Principal Investigator.
Publications
Godwin, K. E., Alemda, M. V., Skerbetz, M. D., Baker, R. S., & Fisher, A. V. (accepted with revisions). Off-task behavior in elementary school children: examining changes in behavior across the school year and across instructional strategies. Manuscript accepted with revisions for publicationin Learning and Instruction.
Skerbetz, M.D., Brennan, K. M., & Kostewicz, D. E. (in preparation). Examining the effects of choice on academic and behavioral outcomes for students with emotional and behavior disabilities in school settings: A review.
Skerbetz, M.D. & Kerr, M. M. (2015). Trauma: What is it and how can you help. CUE’d IN, 2, 1. University of Pittsburgh, Center for Urban Education.
Skerbetz, M. D. & Kostewicz, D. E. (2015). Consequence choice and students with emotional and behavioral disabilities: Effects on academic engagement. Exceptionality, 23, 1-20. DOI: 10.1080/09362835.2014.986603
Skerbetz, M. D. & Kostewicz, D. E. (2013). Academic choice for included students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Preventing School Failure, 57, 212-222.
Consultancies
2015- Consultant. Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning. Shadyside Academy Junior School, Pittsburgh, PA.
2014- Consultant. Special Education. Environmental Charter School, Pittsburgh, PA.
2013-15Consultant. Trauma, Classroom Management, and Student Support. University Preparatory School, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pittsburgh, PA.
2013-14Consultant. Special Education Policy and Practice. Lyceum Group, LLC., Pittsburgh, PA.
2013-14Consultant. Homeless, Homebound, Discovery Aces, ELL, and Landmark Partnership. Propel Schools, Pittsburgh, PA.
2012-13Consultant. Dissemination and Replication of the Propel Promising Principles. YMCA Detroit Academies, Detroit, MI.
2011-13Advisor. Restructuring and Improving Special Education (RISE). University of Pittsburgh, Conway, S., Project Director.
2012-13Expert Witness. Special Education Least Restrictive Environment. Allegany County, Maryland Circuit Court.
2011Consultant. School Development and Teacher Evaluation. East Side Charter School, Wilmington, DE.
2008-10Expert Witness. Special Education Programming. Allegany County, Maryland Circuit Court.
2005-06Committee Member. A Toolkit for Effective Collaboration Between Schools and Mental Health Agencies. Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Pittsburgh, PA.
Partnerships
2007-13Coordinator. Language Based Learning Disabilities. Landmark School, Prides Crossing, MA & Propel Schools, Pittsburgh, PA.
Presentations
Invited
Skerbetz, M. D. (2015, March). Preparing for the Academic Search. Panel member for the University of Pittsburgh Council of Graduate Students in Education, Spring Research Colloquium. Pittsburgh, PA.
Skerbetz, M. D. (2015, February). Disability Awareness and Instructional Support. Oakland Catholic High School. Pittsburgh, PA.
Skerbetz, M. D. (2014, July). Traumatized: How to Reach Them in Order to Teach Them. Seminar as part of the Invited Speaker Series at Landmark Summer Outreach Institute. Prides Crossing, MA.
National
Skerbetz, M. D., Brennan, K. M., & Conway, S. J. (2015, September). Supports for Novice Special Education Teachers Working with Students Involved in the Juvenile Justice System. Presented at the 12th Biennial International Conference on Children and Youth with Behavioral Disorders. Atlanta, GA. (Co-Presenter)
Conway, S.J. & Skerbetz, M. D. (2014, July). Implementation of a Dual Certification Program at the Secondary Level: Lessons Learned from our First Year. Poster presented at the 2014 OSEP Project Directors’ Conference. Washington, DC. (Co-Presenter)
Skerbetz, M. D. & Kostewicz, D. (2013, September). Consequence Choice for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities in Inclusive Settings. Poster presented at the 11th Biennial International Conference on Children and Youth with Behavioral Disorders. Chicago, IL. (Co-Presenter)
Skerbetz, M. D. & Kostewicz, D. (2012, April). Academic Choice: An Inclusion Strategy for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (EBD). Poster presented at the annual Council for Exceptional Children conference. Denver, CO. (Co-Presenter)
Skerbetz, M. D. & Kostewicz, D. (2011, September). Academic Choice: An Inclusion Strategy for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (EBD). Poster presented at the 9th Biennial International Conference on Children and Youth with Behavioral Disorders. New Orleans, LA. (Co-Presenter)
Skerbetz, M. D. & Cephas, F. (2011, July). Revisiting Surface Counseling: Strategies to Equip Staff in Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviors. Presented at the 5th Annual National Conference on Girl Bullying and Other Forms of Relational Aggression. Las Vegas, NV. (Co-Presenter)
Clark, K., Rogers, E., & Skerbetz, M. D. (2011, April). A Timeline for Teaching Self-Advocacy Skills to Students with Disabilities. Presented at the annual Council of Exceptional Children conference, Washington, DC. (Co-Presenter)
Rogers, E., Skerbetz, M. D., & Clark, K. (2010, November). Elements of Effective Paraeducators. Presented at the Council of Administrators of Special Education 51st Annual Conference, Hilton Head, SC. (Co-Presenter)
Raza-Self, S. & Skerbetz M. D. (2008, November). Revisiting Surface Management Techniques as Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support for All Students. Presented at the International Behavioral Institute for Children and Adolescents Conference XIV, Minneapolis, MN. (Co-Presenter)
State/Local
Skerbetz, M. D. (2013, May). The Use of Consequence Choice to Address Academic Engagement and Performance for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities in Inclusive Settings. Presented at the Annual Penn State University Behavior Analysis Research Colloquium, State College, PA. (Presenter)
Skerbetz, M. D. (2011, April). Academic Choice for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities in Inclusive Settings. Presented at the Annual Penn State University Behavior Analysis Research Colloquium, State College, PA. (Presenter)
Skerbetz, M. D. (2011, March). Academic Choice for Students with E/BD in Inclusive Settings. Presented at the 17th Annual University of Pittsburgh Council of Graduate Students in Education Student Research Conference, Pittsburgh, PA. (Presenter)
Rogers, E., Skerbetz, M. D., & Clark, K. (2010, November). Elements of Effective Paraeducators. Presented at the 51st Annual Pennsylvania Council of Exceptional Children conference, State College, PA. (Co-Presenter)
Skerbetz, M. D. (2010, November). Revisiting Surface Management Techniques as Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support for All Students. Presented at the 51st Annual Pennsylvania Council of Exceptional Children conference, State College, PA. (Presenter)
Clark, K., Rogers, E., & Skerbetz, M. D. (2010, November). A Timeline for Teaching Self-Advocacy Skills to Students with Disabilities. Presented at the 51st Annual Pennsylvania Council of Exceptional Children conference, State College, PA. (Co-Presenter)
Skerbetz, M. D. (2009, November). Revisiting Surface Management Techniques as Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support for All Students. Presented at the 59th Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development conference, Harrisburg, PA. (Presenter)
McAleer, F. & Skerbetz, M. D. (2007, April). A Thinking Strategy for Tomorrow’s Gifted Leaders: Six Thinking Hats. Presented at the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education conference. Pittsburgh, PA (Co-Presenter)
Guest Lectures
Skerbetz, M. D. (2015). Study Skills Instruction. Seminar presented for the Ready to Learn Program, Center for Urban Education, University of Pittsburgh.
Skerbetz, M. D. (2014). Mentoring Adolescents. Seminar presented for the Ready to Learn Program, Center for Urban Education, University of Pittsburgh.
Skerbetz, M. D. (2013). Special Education Evidence Based Practices. Lecture presented in Educational Goals, Instruction, and Assessment, taught by Dr. Sharon Carver, Carnegie Mellon University.
Skerbetz, M. D. (2011). Post-educational outcomes of students with Emotional Disturbances. Lecture presented in IL 2522, Educating Students with Emotional Disturbances, taught by Dr. Douglas Kostewicz, University of Pittsburgh.
Skerbetz, M. D. (2011). Current special educational law in Pennsylvania. Lecture presented in IL 3536, Single Subject Research, taught by Dr. Christopher Lemons, University of Pittsburgh.
Professional Service
School Service
2014-School Council – School of Education, University of Pittsburgh – Member at Large
2014-Social Justice and Diversity Committee – School of Education, University of Pittsburgh – Member at Large
2014-Faculty Advisor for University of Pittsburgh’s Learn To Be Organization
2013-University of Pittsburgh Center for Urban Education (CUE)Advisory Board - Member
2013-Faculty Advisor for University of Pittsburgh’s Student Chapter of Council of Exceptional Children (CEC)
2013-14University of Pittsburgh’s SOE Emergency and Resiliency Committee - Member
2012Graduate Student Advisor for University of Pittsburgh’s Student Chapter of Council of Exceptional Children (CEC)
Field Service
2014National Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference, Philadelphia, PA - Volunteer
Community Service
2014-Allegheny Intermediate Unit – Surrogate Parent
2014-Homeless Children’s Initiative - Volunteer
2012-14Highmark Caring Team Resource Committee - Member
2012Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS - Red Ribbon Committee - Member
2007-09Southwestern Pennsylvania Odyssey of the Mind - Member at Large
Professional Organizations
2014-Pennsylvania Chapter of Council of Administrators of Special Education – Board Member and Membership Coordinator
2002-Council for Exceptional Children
Division for Behavioral Disorders
Division for Administrators of Special Education
2009-National Association of Pupil Services Administrators
2007-14Association of Positive Behavior Support
University Classes Instructed
Average Overall Teaching Effectiveness (as ranked by students) = 4.79 (range = 4.5 – 4.94)
2009-University of Pittsburgh (Graduate)
- Research Seminar in Special Education (Hybrid Course)
- Assessment and Instruction of Students with High Incidence Disabilities
- Educating Students with Emotional Disturbances
- Instructional Methods for Students with High Incidence Disabilities
- Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Children with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings in the Secondary Classroom(Web-Based Course)
- Literacy Tutoring
- Consultation and Collaboration
- Foundations of Special Education
2013Carnegie Mellon University (Graduate)
- Special Education Policy and Practice
Educational Supervision
2014-Special Education Supervisory Certificate Program: Supervision of Special Education Supervisory Certificate candidates during their 300 hour internship (University of Pittsburgh)
2013MOSAIC Program: Supervision of Special Education Graduate students teaching in low incidence special education settings (University of Pittsburgh)