Jennifer J. Lesh - Lynn University

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Phone561-237-7082
EmailJLeshlynnedu

Green Center - North end

See full bio

https://www.lynn.edu/campus-directory/people/jennifer-lesh

First-generation graduate

Areas of Scholarship

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Technology
Special Education Teacher Retention
Research Methodology

Professional Organizations

Participates in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) at the local, state, and national/international levels, including leadership roles as CEC president at the local and state level, and as the 2020 President of CEC International.
Chair, CEC Finance and Audit Standing Committee, International Council for Exceptional Children, 2024-2025
Treasurer, International Council for Exceptional Children, 2023-2024
Member, Phi Delta Kappa International
Member, Kappa Delta Pi
Member, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Member, American Educational Research Association

Previous employer

Dr. Lesh has over 20 years of experience in a diverse range of positions:

Several positions at the School District of Palm Beach County within the Exceptional Student Education field
Served as a special education classroom teacher for students with emotional and behavioral disorders
Served as a Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Supports Professional Development Specialist
Dean of students at the high school level
Cross-cultural teaching at Barry University in their Caribbean/Bahamas cohorts, Church Teacher’s College in Mandeville, Jamaica, and urban K-12 settings in Florida, New Jersey, and Chicago.
Adjunct roles at Lynn University and Barry University

Professional Qualifications, Certifications, and Licenses

Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) Professional Developer, 2012-Present

Awards and Honors

Recipient of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Teacher Education Division's Scholarship to CEC's Children and Youth Action Network Institute

Related documents

Dr. Jennifer Lesh - CV (2026)
File: application/pdf, 469 KB
Type: CV

Education/Academic qualification

Educational Leadership, M.S., Barry University

Educational Leadership and Special Education, Ph.D., Barry University

Special Education, B.S., Indiana University Bloomington

Research Interests

educational leadership
exceptional student education
special education
behavior modification
MTSS
RtI
special education teacher retention
Research methodology
action research

Disciplines

Educational Leadership
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
Special Education Administration
Special Education and Teaching
Educational Methods
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4 Quality Education
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

30 Conference session
9 Article
5 Paper
4 Presentation
More

Camp Hope Professional Development
Lesh, J. J. & Regueiro, A., Jun 1 2026
Research output: Non-textual form › Presentation

Open Access
File

2 Downloads (Pure)
From Data to Direction: Advancing Special Education Teacher Preparation Through the 2025 State of the Profession Report
Lesh, J. J. & Boscardin, M. L., Mar 12 2026.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File
IEPs in Action: What the 2025 State of the Special Education Profession Survey Reveals About Implementation Realities
Lesh, J. J. & Boscardin, M. L., May 30 2026, In: TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC). p. 1-3 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
The State of the Special Education Profession Survey, 3rd Edition
Boscardin, M. L. & Lesh, J. J., Mar 8 2025.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
United in Preparing the Prepared: Insights from the 2024 State of the Special Education Profession Survey for Higher Education
Lesh, J. J., Boscardin, M. L. & Bost, J., Nov 6 2025.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File
AI-Assisted Academia: Unveiling Doctoral Students’ Perspectives on Dissertation in Practice Innovation
Lesh, J. J. & Lancaster, J. J., Dec 31 2024, In: Bulletin of Educational Studies. 3, 2, p. 113-126 14 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File

44 Downloads (Pure)
Generative AI: Is it a Game-Changer or the Wild Frontier for Special Education?
Lesh, J. J., Jun 10 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Keynote Address
Maximizing Effective Technology Use in Teacher Preparation Programs Post-Pandemic
Kiser, B. E., Lesh, J. J. & Burlison, K. A., Mar 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
Resilience in the Trenches: Forging Innovative Strategies for Wellness Among Special Educators
Lesh, J. J. & Stevens, A., Nov 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
So, You Want to Incorporate GenAI in Your ESE Department; Now What?
Lesh, J. J., Jun 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Keynote Address
The Digital Renaissance in Education: Adapting Generative AI in Pre-Service Teacher and Provider Strategies
Lesh, J. J. & Lancaster, J. J., Nov 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File

4 Downloads (Pure)
Beyond Standard Measures: Crafting an Inclusive Evaluation Tool for Special Education Teachers in Self-Contained Settings
Thompson, K. & Lesh, J. J., Dec 31 2023, In: Bulletin of Educational Studies. 2, 2, p. 65-75 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
ChatGPT and Other Generative AI: A Game Changer for Special Education?
Lesh, J. J., Oct 5 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Keynote Address

Open Access
File

16 Downloads (Pure)
Council for Exceptional Children Leadership Panel
Lesh, J. J., May 2023
Research output: Non-textual form › Presentation
Implementing Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) in Higher Education
Lesh, J. J., Feb 15 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
In Times of COVID and Beyond; Teacher Preparation (EDU, ECE, ESE) Program Tips
Burlison, K. A., Kiser, B. E. & Lesh, J. J., Aug 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
I Want to Be An LGBTQ+ Ally: Can You Help Me?
Cichy-Parker, B., Brewer, B. & Lesh, J. J., Nov 2 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Lynn University Graduate Program Offerings
Pruitt, S., Lesh, J. J. & Morales, D. L., Oct 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
President’s Panel
Borowczak, A., Rummel, C., Dooley, K., Behizadeh, N., Galindo, E., Culatta, R., Cohen, J., McMahon, D. & Lesh, J. J., Sep 14 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Rethinking Special Education Teacher Preparation for a Post-Pandemic World
Lesh, J. J., Kiser, B. E. & Burlison, K. A., Nov 1 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File

16 Downloads (Pure)
Revitalizing Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs: Innovative Tips for a Post-COVID World!
Lesh, J. J. & Morales, D. L., Oct 1 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File

18 Downloads (Pure)
Special Needs Advisory Coalition Panel
Lesh, J. J., May 16 2023
Research output: Non-textual form › Webinar
Teacher Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Vicarious Trauma in Florida Teachers
Lesh, J. J. & Morales, D. L., Oct 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File

10 Downloads (Pure)
Trim One’s Sails: Developing Cross-Cultural Teacher Preparation Partnerships in the Caribbean
Stevens, A. & Lesh, J. J., Oct 31 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Be What I Want to Be: Implementing Social Emotional Lessons to Increase Agency and Self-Advocacy Skills
Kase, M. L., Roberts, C. D. & Lesh, J. J., 2022, The Mixtape Volume 1: Culturally Sustaining Practices Within MTSS Featuring the Everlasting Mission of Student Engagement. Hunter, W., Taylor, J. & Scott, L. (eds.). Council for Exceptional Children
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
Teacher Preparation Program Tips in Times of COVID, and Beyond!
Lesh, J. J., Burlison, K. A. & Kiser, B. E., Nov 10 2022.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
So, You Have to Pivot to Distance Learning, No Problem! UDL Tips for the Inclusive Remote Classroom!
Lesh, J. J., Jan 15 2021.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Urban Secondary School Administrators and Faculty Perceptions of Multitiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention
Lesh, J. J., Roberts, C. D., Cavitt, D. & Morales, D. L., Dec 2021, In: NASSP Bulletin. 105, 4, p. 225-249 25 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
Don’t Forget About Yourself: Words of Wisdom on Special Education Teacher Self-Care
Lesh, J. J., Jul 2020, In: TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC). 52, 6, p. 367-369 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
IEP 101: Practical Tips for Writing and Implementing Individual Education Programs
Lesh, J. J., May 2020, In: TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC). 52, 5, p. 278-280 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Lesh, J. J., Nov 2020, In: TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC). 53, 2, p. 99-100 2 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

Open Access
Navigating Two Pandemics: Racism/Inequity and COVID-19: Thoughts From a Former Special Education Teacher
Lesh, J. J., Sep 2020, In: TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC). 53, 1, p. 7-9 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
The Outlook for 2020
Lesh, J. J., Jan 2020, In: TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC). 52, 3, p. 126 1 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

Open Access
Top 10 Tips for New Special Educators
Lesh, J. J., Mar 1 2020, In: TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC). 52, 4, p. 206-208 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

Open Access
Supportive Contexts for Action Research in Education
Lesh, J. J. & Gleason, J., Mar 7 2019, The Wiley Handbook of Action Research in Education. Mertler, C. A. (ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons Inc., p. 229-250 22 p. (The Wiley Handbook of Action Research in Education).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
Using CPED Design Concepts to Build the Ed.D. Brand: Doctoral Student Insights
Burlison, K. A., Lesh, J. J., Carafiello, L., Heinze, M.-C. & O'Sullivan, M., Jun 11 2019.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
An Introduction to Universal Design for Learning: Until Learning Has No Boundaries
Lesh, J. J., Jun 2018
Research output: Non-textual form › Presentation
Millennial and Gen Z Pre-Service and Practicing Teachers Preferred Choices of iPad Apps for Use with Diverse Students
Burlison, K. A., Lesh, J. J. & Saint John, S. B., Nov 7 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
Partnerships in Caribbean Countries: Enriching the Conversation
Lesh, J. J. & Stevens, A., Nov 7 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Perceptions of Doctoral Students in a CPED Model Improvement Science Program
Lesh, J. J., Burlison, K. A. & Weigel, K., Oct 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review

Open Access
File

9 Downloads (Pure)
Planning PD: Tools for Developing Successful Programs
Bullock, J. & Lesh, J. J., Jul 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Universal Design for Learning Framework and Supports for Use with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Lesh, J. J., Jan 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File

15 Downloads (Pure)
Using Technology to Enhance the Learning of English Language Learners with Disabilities
Morales, D. L. & Lesh, J. J., Feb 9 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File

39 Downloads (Pure)
What Works? Pre-Service Teachers Insights to Education Apps
Lesh, J. J., Burlison, K. A. & Saint John, S. B., Oct 2018.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Effective Strategies For Classroom Success! Teacher Supports For Use With Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Lesh, J. J., Jan 2017
Research output: Non-textual form › Presentation
General and Special Education Teacher Candidates Perceptions' of iPad Apps Within the UDL Framework
Lesh, J. J., Burlison, K. A. & Saint John, S. B., Nov 8 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session

Open Access
File

15 Downloads (Pure)
Why Stay? A Phenomenological Look at Special Education Teacher Retention
Lesh, J. J., Shatz, K., Harris-Looby, J. & Roberts, C., Mar 2017, In: International Journal of Education and Human Developments (IJEHD). 3, 2, p. 12-24 13 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File

9 Downloads (Pure)
Best Practices For Chairing a Dissertation in Practice. A Non-Traditional Format at the Doctoral Level
Lesh, J. J. & Burlison, K. A., Jun 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Digital Immigrants Have An App For That: Infusing iPad App Training in Special and General Education Teacher Courses
Lesh, J. J. & Burlison, K. A., Nov 10 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Do You Have An App For That? Infusing Apple Technology In Teacher Education Courses
Lesh, J. J. & Burlison, K. A., Oct 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Partnerships in Caribbean Countries: Bringing Special Education to Developing Countries, Sustaining the Conversation
Lesh, J. J. & Stevens, A., Nov 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Practice Makes Perfect...Why? Because We Have An App For That! Infusing iPad Training in Teacher Education Coursework
Lesh, J. J. & Burlison, K. A., Oct 4 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
Reading! No Problem! Infusing Technology Into Reading Instruction and Assessment
Lesh, J. J. & Burlison, K. A., Oct 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Teach-IN: Inclusion, Involvement and Innovation
Lesh, J. J. & Burlison, K. A., Oct 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Technology Invasion: Apps to Revolutionize the Diverse 21st Century Classroom. Time to Launch!
Ronnie, C., Lesh, J. J., Burlison, K. A., Lema, M. C. & Heinze, M.-C., Jun 4 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
We Have An App For That: Infusing Technology in Teacher Education Courses
Lesh, J. J., Burlison, K. A., Ronnie, C., Smith, A. & Gomez, N., Jan 30 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
Partnerships in Caribbean Countries: Bringing Special Education Training to Developing Countries
Lesh, J. J. & Stevens, A., Nov 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference session
Thinking Styles: Teaching and Learning Styles in Graduate Education Students
Clarke, T. A., Lesh, J. J., Trocchio, J. S. & Wolman, C., Dec 2010, In: Educational Psychology. 30, 7, p. 837-848 12 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2026-2028 Lynn University Academic Council (Event)
Lesh, J. J. (Vice-chair), Ketcher, D. (Secretary) & Carlin, G. (Parlimentarian)
2026 → 2028
Activity: Membership › Membership of Academic Council
2024-2026 Lynn University Academic Council (Event)
Lesh, J. J. (Vice-chair), Peroni, M. (Secretary) & Carlin, G. (Parlimentarian)
2024 → 2026
Activity: Membership › Membership of Academic Council

Special needs children are hurt by dismantling of federal programs
Lesh, J. J.
10/26/25
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
Education students take part in immersive learning at Congress Middle School
Lesh, J. J.
9/25/25
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities
College of Education faculty and alumni present at special education summit
Lesh, J. J., Kase, M. L., Thompson, K. & Rambharose, K.
7/22/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities
Exceptional student education program members speak at international convention
Lesh, J. J., Morales, D. L., Kase, M. L. & Thompson, K.
3/19/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Research
Exceptional education at Lynn University
Lesh, J. J.
8/1/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Research