Allison Oliver
Assistant Professor
College of Education
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Contact
- olivera@apsu.edu
- 931-221-7649
- Claxton Building Room CX 207
“What excites me most about being part of the APSU community is the opportunity to collaborate with passionate educators and engage with a diverse student body. I am thrilled to contribute to a vibrant academic environment that values inclusivity and innovation in education.”What excites you most about being part of the Austin Peay community?
Ph.D. Special Education - The University of Mississippi
Ed.S. Educational Leadership- Arkansas State University
M.S. Special Education - Arkansas State University
B.S. Social Services- Belhaven University
Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. Oliver accumulated 17 years of experience in public education as a paraprofessional, alternatively licensed teacher, special education teacher, department chair, and positive behavior specialist. She also led the development and delivery of professional learning for special educators, equipping educators with evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices. These experiences continue to shape her commitment to preparing future educators to advocate for students with disabilities and other diverse learners while promoting equitable, inclusive, and high-quality educational practices that ensure all students have opportunities to succeed.
- Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice in Education
- Positive Behavior Supports and Culturally Responsive Behavioral Interventions
- Special Education Teacher Preparation and Workforce Development
- Inclusive Instruction
- Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Educator Preparation
- Oliver, A. N. (2026). Adults can debate — but children can’t wait. Memphis, TN
- Oliver, A. N., Lewis, C. D. (2026). Creating Safe Havens: Supporting Mental Health to End School Violence. Ending Violence in PreK-16 Schools (pp. 121-148). Charlotte, North Carolina: Information Age Publishing.
- Oliver, A. N. (2026). Redefining Summer Fun: Making Space for Every Child, Every Family, Every Need (135th ed., pp. 16-18).
- Oliver, A. N. (2026). The answer to challenging behaviors in kindergarten is support, not separation. Nashville, TN.
- Oliver, A. N. (2025). RISE ABOVE: Supporting Teacher Candidates with Autism Through Specialized Coaching. Journal of Case Learning and Exceptional Learners, 0(1).
- Short, D. F., Oliver, A. N. (2024). Co-teaching in an Educational Preparation Program: Students and Faculty Learn the Benefits of Communication, Interaction, and Collaboration. Teaching Education Leadership Journal, 48(3).
- Oliver, A. N. (2024). The Behavior Blueprint: Practical Tactics for Today's Practitioners (1st Edition). Kendall Hunt.
- Oliver, A. N., Lewis, C. D., Harges, A. M. (2024). Cultivating Strong Relationships in Special Education: Strategies for Practitioners. Best Practices for Behavior Intervention in Special Education. IGI Global.
- Oliver, A. N. (2023). Connecting, Correcting, Contributing: Supporting Special Education Teacher Candidates Through Field Placements and edTPA. Tennessee Educational Leadership Journal, 48(2), 29-35.
- Soares, D. A., Oliver, A. N., Harrison, J. R., Vannest, K. J. (2022). Chapter 8 Project-Based Learning in Inclusive Settings: Students with and at-risk of Disabilities. STEM Project Based Learning – Engineering for a New Era 3rd Edition. Sage.
- "Data in Education," Symplifyed. (September 1, 2026)
- "Possibility-Centered Leadership: Support Students w/ Disabilities & Develop Those Who Serve Them-#99," Dr. Joe Griffin Speaks-Empowerment Zone. (August 22, 2026)
- "A Family Affair: Children, Our Future (Autism)," Conversations with Chosen Pen. (April 14,2026).
- "Students with disabilities can more quickly be removed from class under a new Tennessee rule," Chalkbeat Tennessee. (August 19, 2025)
- "Shortage of Special Educators Adds to Classroom Pressures," EdWeek. (December 4, 2018)