Amber Moran is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Education and the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Her scholarly activities examine teacher education practices that promote inclusion and the use of evidence-based interventions for students with disabilities, such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), explicit strategy instruction for mathematics problem solving, and effective literacy instruction.
Dr. Moran has focused her work on the development and implementation of the Education Specialist Credential program, specifically for teachers supporting students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs (ESC-MM). Her approach to teacher preparation is informed by her experience as a special educator. Dr. Moran strives to bridge the gap between research-based theory and K-12 classroom practice. She is dedicated to preparing the next generation of reflective practitioners who are not only skilled in inclusive instruction but are also active advocates for students with disabilities. As a PI she has secured over $4 million in grant funding, including the Santa Barbara County Education Office Teacher Residency Implementation Project (TRIP), to recruit and train a diverse workforce of teachers in high-need fields like Special Education.
Dr. Moran earned her B.A. in Biopsychology, as well as her M.A. and Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies, from UC Santa Barbara. Since joining the faculty in 2011, Dr. Moran has served in various leadership roles, including Academic Coordinator, Associate Director of TEP and Supervisor of Student Teaching, before advancing to her current faculty position.