Skip to main content
University of Nebraska Omaha logo University of Nebraska Omaha
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY

Students Faculty Staff Community
University of Nebraska Omaha logo
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY
Students Faculty Staff Community
  • About Us Backback to Main menu
    • About Us
    • News
    • CEHHS Instructional Technology Office
    • Faculty & Staff Directory
    • Publications
  • Academics Backback to Main menu
    • Undergraduate Programs
    • Graduate Programs
    • Teacher Certification Pathways
    • Academic Advising and Field Experiences
    • Study Abroad
    • Academic Policies & Procedures
    • Accreditation
  • Admissions Backback to Main menu
    • Admissions
    • Apply
    • Scholarships
    • Graduate Assistantships
  • Student Involvement
  • Community Engagement Backback to Main menu
    • Community Engagement
    • Community Counseling Clinic
    • Speech-Language Hearing Clinic
    • Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium
    • Phi Delta Kappa
    • Service Learning
  • Research Backback to Main menu
    • Research and Creative Activity
    • Health and Kinesiology
    • Biomechanics Research Building
    • Center for Research in Human Movement Variability
    • Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education
  • Support Us
  1. UNO
  2. College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
  3. News
  4. 2021
  5. 10
  6. $1.25M Grant Provides Training for Behavioral Intervention Careers

$1.25M Grant Provides Training for Behavioral Intervention Careers

  • contact: College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
  • email: unocehhs@unomaha.edu
Anne Keith recently graduated with an MS in Special Education

Anne Keith recently graduated with an MS in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration. She is one of the first graduates of the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Consultation (IBC) Scholars program.

Throughout her 20-year career in education, Anne Keith held many roles—from music teacher to reading interventionist to high ability facilitator—but she was always drawn to the kids who were struggling with big emotions.

"Of all the roles I've had, the common thread was the hard kids. They either found me or I found them, and whatever task I had at the time had to go on pause because a child was in crisis," Anne said.

"That’s the part I've always loved. I've always liked thinking, 'This was happening in the classroom and this child reacted this way. What can I put into place to help the classroom be a safe place for that child?'"

Anne is one of the first graduates of a select cohort dedicated to helping kids be successful in school. In 2018, UNO in collaboration with UNMC's Munroe-Meyer Institute received a $1,250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs to create the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Consultation (IBC) Scholars program.

The five-year grant prepares the IBC Scholars to work collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams to address significant behavior problems in schools.

Dr. Phil Nordness

Dr. Phil Nordness

"We have three fields at work here. We have our Department of Special Education, the UNO Department of Psychology, and the Applied Behavior Analysis group at the Munroe-Meyer Institute," explained Phil Nordness, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Special Education & Communication Disorders and co-investigator of the grant.

"Historically these groups work with the same child, but in their own separate environments. The special education teacher works in the classroom. The school psychologist works in their therapeutic room. Applied behavior analysts work in a clinic. The goal of this grant is to bring those three professionals together so they have an understanding of the different roles, and they will be able to work together with children in a more collaborative sense."

IBC Scholars receive a partial tuition remission and stipend during the two-year program.

Intensive learning experiences are also provided, above and beyond a regular master’s degree program: weekly seminars on topics related to interdisciplinary collaboration, implementation science, evidence-based practice, and leadership in educational systems, as well as customized practicums.

grant-infographic.png

"For my practicum, I went to different schools to support individual students—truly as a consultant. I spent time observing, and then setting up and testing ideas and interventions. When the teacher was in a good place and knew what to do, then I backed away, but I was always available by email or phone. So I might have a teacher reach out to say, 'Today was not a great day.' I could then monitor and reassess the approach," Anne explained about her practicum experiences.

"One of my peers stayed at one site and worked with several students, another met with students virtually. My peers and I were able to discuss our practicums and ask questions like, 'What did your experience look like?' or 'I did this, what would you have done?' or even, 'Don’t do that—it didn't work!' Those were pretty great, vulnerable conversations, and we were all learning."

This fall, Anne is excited to began her new role as a teacher in a Structured Behavior Skills classroom in Millard Public Schools' elementary school.

"Through this grant, I was able to have conversations and share knowledge with people from different disciplines, and I learned to bridge gaps in communication. I now have a better understanding of how to leverage relationships to get things done more efficiently and connect to people along the way so that we can get there together. For example, I want everyone sitting at special education meetings to feel valued and to feel welcome, to let parents and caregivers know, we're all here because we care about your child."

Anne's classroom

Anne's new Structured Behavior Skills classroom in Millard


This story appeared in the most recent issue of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Annual Report.

News Sections

  • College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences News Center
  • UNO News Center
  • Maverick Daily
  • The Bullseye
  • Campus Events

Featured

  • Health Science Collaborative Nears Completion
  • American Sign Language Minor Thrives in First Year
  • UNO Launches Statewide Learning Hub for Nebraska Educators
  • Education Students Experience Global Learning in Kenya

Most Viewed

  • Educational Leadership Programs Now 100% Online
  • Parkinson Voice Project Supports Education and Therapy in Speech-Language Clinic
  • Teacher Education Supports Literacy Initiatives

Contact Us

If you have a story idea, news tip or inquiry please contact us at:

  • College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
  • Email: unocehhs@unomaha.edu
  • Phone: 402.554.2719

About the College of Education

College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Contact Us
  • College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
  • Roskens Hall
  • 6001 Dodge Street
  • Omaha, NE 68182   map
  • 402.554.2719
Social media
Academic Units
  • Department of Biomechanics
  • Department of Counseling
  • Department of Educational Leadership
  • School of Health and Kinesiology
  • Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
  • Teacher Education Department
roskens hall

Next Steps

  • Visit UNO
  • Request Information
  • Apply for Admission
  • The UNO Advantage
  • Our City (Omaha)

Just For You

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Work at UNO
  • Faculty and Staff
  • A-Z List

Popular Services and Resources

  • my.unomaha.edu
  • Academic Calendar
  • Campus Buildings & Maps
  • Library
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Course Catalogs
  • Internships & Career Development
  • The Maverick Store
  • MavCARD Services
  • Military-Connected Resource Center
  • Speech Center
  • Writing Center
  • Human Resources
  • Center for Faculty Excellence

Affiliates

  • University of Nebraska System
  • NU Foundation
  • Buffett Early Childhood Institute
  • Daugherty Water for Food Institute
  • National Strategic Research Institute
  • Peter Kiewit Institute
  • Rural Prosperity Nebraska
  1. University Policies
  2. Privacy Statement
  3. Accessibility
  1. 402.554.2800

University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182
  • ©  
  • Emergency Information Alert
  • MavsReport

Social Media


Omaha Skyline

Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.