Beth Fornauf

As a Research Scientist, Beth Fornauf uses her background in qualitative research, disability studies, and teacher learning to support CAST projects at various stages of research and development.

Prior to coming to CAST, Beth was an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Special Education at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH. She taught courses for practicing teachers, teacher candidates, and educational leaders on critical special education, research design, and inclusive education. In this role Beth worked closely with school districts across northern New England to support the recruitment, preparation, and retention of inclusive special education teachers.

Beth’s research explores how educators can draw on Disability Studies/Disability Critical Race Studies (DisCrit) and UDL as complementary frameworks for inclusive, equity-oriented pedagogy. She enjoys working across systems to support teacher learning and development, and to establish and maintain connections among universities, schools, and communities. Beth currently serves on the board of the New England Educational Research Organization (NEERO), a regional affiliate of the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

Beth has also worked for the University of New Hampshire’s Teacher Residency for Rural Education (TRRE), a rural teacher residency program focused on recruiting and preparing teachers for rural New Hampshire schools.

When she isn’t working, Beth enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and enjoying the outdoors with her family.