Rate My Professor Rebecca Hines

Rebecca Hines, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of exceptional student education and Academic Program Coordinator in the School of Teacher Education within the University of Central Florida's College of Community Innovation and Education. She earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction, specializing in teacher education and special education, from the University of South Florida. With extensive K-12 teaching experience in both general and special education classrooms, Dr. Hines joined the UCF faculty in 1999. She oversees the undergraduate exceptional student education program, directs the fully online Exceptional Student Education program including the Learning Disabilities (K-12) track, and provides leadership for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in special education. Dr. Hines has developed innovative curriculum and fostered partnerships with state and local education agencies and community-based organizations to advance teacher preparation.

Dr. Hines' research specializations encompass preparing teacher candidates to work effectively with students with disabilities in inclusive environments, integrating contemporary technology tools and artificial intelligence to enhance teacher education and K-12 student learning, particularly for those with emotional-behavioral disorders, and supporting students with disabilities in online settings. She serves as principal investigator or co-principal investigator on multiple grants from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs, including the RAISE project, which employs robots and AI to bolster social skills among elementary students, and other initiatives promoting inclusive practices and technology integration. Notable publications include 'Using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent to Support Teacher Instruction and Student Learning' (2024, Journal of Special Education Preparation), 'Systems Thinking and Innovative Approaches' (2023), and 'Teachers in collaborative cultures: Attitudes toward technology' (2000, Journal of Special Education Technology). Dr. Hines co-produces and hosts the Practical Access podcast alongside Lisa Dieker, delivering practical strategies for teachers, parents, and individuals with disabilities to foster inclusive education. Her contributions earned her a 2019 UCF Founders' Day honor for service. Dr. Hines' scholarship influences teacher training and special education practices through evidence-based innovations and research-to-practice translation.