Matthew LaFave
PhD, University at Albany, State University of New York
Dr. Matthew LaFave is Assistant Director of Field Education in the School of Education at the University at Albany. A former Special Education teacher, and consultant, he has taught courses in human exceptionality, assessment in special education, and Emotional and/or Behavioral Disorders at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. LaFave is a University Supervisor for the Division of Special Education, and oversees the placement of student teachers as well as interns. In addition to working with school districts to locate placements, Dr. LaFave provides seminars for students regarding issues relative to teaching such as behavior management, collaboration, as well as providing guidance on New York State certification requirements. His primary research interests center on teacher preparation and models of teacher training, characteristics of ‘effective’ teachers, and social skills instruction. In his spare time Dr. LaFave enjoys ice hockey, exercise, gardening, and travel.
Dr. LaFave has taught the following courses:
ESPE 369: Characteristics of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
ESPE 460: Human Exceptionality
ESPE 560: Human Exceptionality
ESPE 580: Practicum: Teaching Students with Diverse Learning Needs
ESPE 680a: Clinical Internship: Teaching Students with Disabilities
ESPE 681: Clinical Internship Seminar: Teaching Students with Disabilities