Tom Fischer, Ph.D.

Professor
Special & Early Childhood Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education | University of Wisconsin Madison (1997)

Master of Science in Education in Special Education | University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (1994)

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | Macalester College (1979)

 

Years of P-12 Experience: 4 Years

My initial teaching license was in secondary social studies from UW Oshkosh. After completing certification, I worked as a substitute teacher in the area for one semester, and then was offered a full-time job in special education at Menominee Indian Junior/Senior High School. I worked with students with learning disabilities and emotional behavioral disabilities. I received certification in special education at UW Oshkosh and also obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education here. After four years of teaching, I started the PhD. program in Special Education at UW Madison. While working toward the PhD., I also worked on the academic staff for UW Oshkosh. I was hired for a tenure track position after two years and I currently am in my 10th year in a tenured position.

 

Areas of Expertise:

    • Special education technology
    • Functional behavioral assessment and behavior intervention plans
    • Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention
    • Math instruction for students with disabilities

 

In scholarly activity, my doctoral dissertation related to math instruction for students with disabilities. Subsequent scholarly work has mainly addressed functional behavioral assessment and behavior intervention plans and special education technology. I have a book chapter about the former topic and I am in the process of completing a textbook (with two colleagues) about the latter.

Date of First Employment at UW Oshkosh: 1996

Classes Typically Taught:

  • Special Education Technology
  • Advanced Behavior Management
  • Advocacy
  • Family Empowerment, and Special Education Law
  • Children and Youth with Disabilities in the General Education Classroom
  • Interagency Approaches to working with Children and Youth with Disabilities