Hannah Brenner Nieto

Hannah B. Nieto received her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is now an assistant professor of special education and special education program director at North Central College. Previously, Hannah was a high school special education teacher in Chicago Public Schools focused on providing high-quality transition experiences for students with extensive support needs. Hannah’s research is centered on promoting effective and inclusive community-based work experiences for students with extensive support needs that contribute to positive employment outcomes. She is particularly interested in paraprofessionals’ growing role in job coaching and how school districts can train and supervise paraprofessionals to effectively prepare students for competitive, integrated employment.

Selected Scholarship

Brenner, H. R., & Dymond, S. K. (2023). Navigating challenges to work-based learning experiences: Responses from special educators. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 48(2), 76-87. https://doi.org/10.1177/21651434231218708

Brenner, H. R., & Dymond, S. K. (2023). Making every minute count: Identifying instructional opportunities for IEP goals during community-based work experiences. Inclusive Practices, 2(4), 83-90. https://doi.org/10.1177/27324745231199708

Brenner, H. R., & Dymond, S. K. (2023). Teachers’ perspectives on challenges to providing work-based learning experiences for students with extensive support needs. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 48(4), 186-202. https://doi.org/10.1177/15407969231204611

Rooney-Kron, M., Nieto, H. B., Malouf, E. T., Whittenburg, H., & Taylor, J. (2025). Teachers' perceptions of key features of community-based work experiences. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 49(2), 76-88. https://doi.org/10.1177/21651434241311541

Nieto, H. B., & Dymond, S. K. (in press). Paraprofessionals as job coaches in community-based work experiences for students with extensive support needs. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities.

Courses Taught

SPED 225: Special Education, Disability Law and Policy

SPED 300: Assistive Technology for Exceptional Diverse Learners with High and Low Incidence Disabilities

SPED 308: Social Emotional Learning Interventions for the Classroom and Individual

SPED 227: Collaboration with Families, Caregivers, Professionals, and Community

SPED 340: Teaching Communication, Reading and Writing to Exceptional Culturally Diverse Learners

SPED 466: Transition to Postsecondary Options