Dr. Arlene King-Berry, an accomplished professor of Special Education at the University of the District of Columbia, is a dedicated scholar, legal expert, and advocate whose leadership in disability rights, faculty governance, and research on food insecurity and student success has shaped policy, pedagogy, and institutional excellence.
Experience
Education
Associate in Mortuary Science, with honors, University of the District of Columbia Juris Doctor, Antioch University Master of Education in Special Education, Howard University Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Cheyney University
Roles
Director of Special Education, Friendship Edison Public Charter Schools, 2000-04) Professor of Special Education, UDC, 2004-Present Chair, Institutional Review Board, UDC, 2004-Present Chair, Faculty Senate, UDC, 2004-Present Chair, University and College Evaluation Committee, UDC, 2004-Present Co-Chair, Self-Study Team, UDC, 2004-Present Program Reviewer, U.S. Department of Education, 2004-14 Program Reviewer, D.C. Public Charter Board, 2002-13 Special Education Supervisor/Coordinator, D.C. Public Schools, 1999-2000 Special Education Attorney Advisor & Hearing Examiner, D.C. Public Schools, 1993-99
Courses Taught
Introduction to the Education of Exceptional Children Field Experience in Special Education Introduction to Legal Issues in Special Education Freshman Orientation Human Development and Behavior Methods of Teaching Math, Science, & PE in Special Education Observation and Student Teaching
Expertise
Supervision of Special Education Field Experience and Student Teaching
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Impact of food insecurity on postsecondary students/persons with disabilities; risk factors that impact college student success; FDR Presidency and memorial: improving transition services for individuals with developmental disabilities; career aspirations of undergraduate education UDC students; a supported decision making approach in special education
Leadership
Vice President, National Conference of Faculty Senates, 2002-Present Faculty Senate Chair, UDC, 2013-Present Co-Chair, Standard 7, Middle States Accreditation Team, 2023-Present Board Member, Dreaming out Loud, 2002-Present Chair, University Evaluation Committee, UDC, 2023
Impact
Selected Publications
King-Berry, A. & Semere, T.(2024). The impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity among postsecondary students/persons with disabilities in Wards 7 & 8 in the District of Columbia. EDULEARN24 Proceedings.https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2024.0369
Selected Presentations
Pearsall, A., King-Berry, A., & Carolen, C. (2022). The Power of organizing. NEA Higher education Conference.
King-Berry, A., & Brown, B, (2021). Faculty research and collaboration for effective recruitment and retention. NEA Summer Higher Education Conference.
Selected Grants
The impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity among postsecondary students/persons with disabilities in Wards 7 & 8 in the District of Columbia.
National Endowment for the Humanities. (2023). A disability Legacy: The FDR presidency and memorial, improving transition services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
(2016). The career aspirations of undergraduate education majors at the University of the District of Columbia.
U,S. Department of Education. (2010). Special education early childhood urban paraprofessional program.
Recognitions
Marjorie Holloman Distinguished Educators Award, UDC, 2024 Mytilla Miner Professional Development Award, 2002 Epilepsy Foundation Service Award, 2002 Developmental Disabilities Council Service Award, 2009 Provost Special Award for Outstanding Service, UDC, 2005 Disability Law Moot Court Award, Antioch University
Invited Participations
King-Berry, A. (2024). The impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity among postsecondary students/persons with disabilities in Wards 7 & 8 in the District of Columbia. 16th International Conference on Education, Palma, Spain.
King-Berry, A. (2024). Moderator. National Conference of Faculty Senates Annual Conference.
