Pamela J. Mims, PhD
Professor and Associate Dean of Research and Grants
- mimspj@etsu.edu
- 423-439-7145
- Warf-Pickel 323-C
See Dr. Mims' Selected Works
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. Special Education, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- M.A. Ed Special Education, Western Carolina University
- B.S. Special Education, East Carolina University
COURSES TAUGHT
- Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Significant Disabilities (Undergraduate
and Graduate)
- Applications of Assistive Technology and Medical Aspects in Special Education (Undergraduate
and Graduate)
- Integrating Functional Skills into Curriculum (Undergraduate and Graduate)
- Medical Aspects in Special Education (Undergraduate and Graduate)
- Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings (Undergraduate and Graduate)
- Thesis in Special Education (Graduate)
- History, Issues, and Trends in Special Education
- Instructional Methodology in Special Education (Graduate)
- Assistive Technology (Undergraduate)
- Behavior Management for Individuals with Disabilities (Graduate)
- Special Topics: Teaching Reading and Math to Individuals with Disabilities (Graduate)
- Research in Special Education and Related Fields (Graduate)
RESEARCH FOCUS
- Systematic Instructional strategies to promote access to the general curriculum for
students with intellectual and/or developmental disability.
- Professional development and strategies to mitigate special educator attrition in
rural environments.
- Using data to inform instruction
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Fitchett, C., Courtade, G., Mims, P. J., Landrum, T., & Sheffield, C. (in press). Using graphic novels to teach economics content to high school students with extensive support needs. Journal of Special Education.
Ray, T. W., Mims, P. J., & Pennington, R. (in press). Examining a writing intervention in the context of a story-based lesson for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Remedial and Special Education.
Mims, P. J., Lee, L. E., Kuldell, N., & Franklin, C. (2025). Strengthening the STEM pipeline: Impact of the project-based synthetic biology on high school students’ science identity and competency. Frontiers Education, 9. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1493356
Witte, A., Sheridan, S., Wheeler, S., Mims, P. J., & Hale, K. (2024). Teachers and Parents as Partners: Promoting Emotional and Behavioral Health Through Technology. Kent State University International Summit on Learning and Behavioral Health Conference Proceedings.
Prince, R. C., Jorgenson, E., Mims, P. J., & Kilaru, A. (2024). Biomanufacturing & Engineering for the Appalachian Highlands- Updates on the development of a scalable engineering program in rural settings- Work-in-Progress. American Society for Engineering Education (AASE)
Witzel, B., Myers, J., Freeman-Green, S., Root, J., Riccomini, P., & Mims, P. J. (2023). Research Should Focus on Improving Mathematics Proficiency for Students of Disabilities. Journal of Special Education.
Weiss, M. P., Rowe, D. A., Mims, P. J., & Farmer, T. W. (2023). There’s no place like us: Beyond fidelity of implementation in rural contexts. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1177/10634266231155856
Mims, P. J., McConomy, A., Cook, J., & Root, J. (2022). HLP 13: Adapt curriculum tasks and materials for specific learning goals for students with extensive support needs. In R. Pennington, M. Ault, G. Courtade, M. Jameson, & A. Ruppar (Eds). High Leverage Practices: Ensuring Access for Students with Extensive Support Needs.
Stierle, J., Ryan, J., Katsiyannis, A., & Mims, P. J. (2022). Using video prompting and modeling on mobile technology to teach daily living skills: A systematic review. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Pennington, R., Mohammad, M., & Mims, P. J., & Muharib, R. (2020). The use of a technology-based instructional package to teach opinion writing to students with intellectual disability. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
Pennington, R. C., Stanger, C., Mims, P. J., Kirkman, C., Aldridge, S., Stanley, M., & Chapman, S. (2019). A Pilot investigation of an autonomous technology-based instructional program for teaching sentence construction to students with extensive support needs. Journal of Special Education Technology. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0162643419879767
Mims, P. J., Stanger, C., Sears, J., & White, W. (2018). Applying systematic instruction to teach ELA skills using fictional novels in an iPad app: Results from a study on students with significant disabilities. Rural Special Education Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756870518784711
Mims, P. J., & Stanger, C. (2017). Bringing meaningful grade aligned English language arts to the classroom: Bridging research and practice. DADD Online Journal, 4, 6-19.
Mims, P. J., Stanger, C., Pennington, R., White, W., Sears, J., & Strickler, N. (2017). Opinion paragraph writing intervention for students with significant disability. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits Journal, 11, 29-46.
Snyder, S., Knight, V. F., Ayres, K., Mims, P. J., & Sartini, E. (2017). Single Case Design Elements in Text Comprehension Research for Students with Developmental Disabilities. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 52(4), 405-421.
Spriggs, A., Mims, P. J., Van Dijk, W., & Knight, V. (2017). Examination of the evidence base for using visual activity schedules with students with intellectual disability. Journal of Special Education, 51, 1-26.
Rivera, C. J., Jimenez, B. A., Baker, J. N., Spies, T., Mims, P. J. & Courtade, G. (2016). Building an academic culturally responsive framework for students with intellectual disability to increase postsecondary outcomes. Physical Disabilities: Education and Related Services, 35(2), 23-48.
Root, J., Knight, V. F., & Mims, P. J. (2016). A guide to addressing multiple priorities in core content instruction for students with severe disabilities. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143416680997
Jimenez, B., Mims, P. J., & Baker, J. (2016). Data based decision training for teachers of students with significant disabilities: The power of online modules to effect change. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 35(4).
Stanger, C., Mims, P. J., Wood, L., & Ahlgrim-Delzell, L. (2016). Supporting literacy achievements for students with intellectual disability and autism through curricular programs that incorporate assistive technology. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits Journal, 10, 51-73. Invited.
Spriggs, A., Van Dijk, W., & Mims, P. J. (2015). How to implement visual activity schedules for students with disabilities. DADD Online Journal: Research to Practice, 2, 21-34.
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
Ryan, J., Mims, P. J., Hott, B., Jameson, M., & Courtade, G. (2023, November). Navigating the Challenges of Special Education in Rural Schools: Strategies for School Leaders. OCALICONLINE 2023 Conference.
Christian, G., Rowe, D., Mims, P. J., Foley, V., Scott, P., Chambers, C., Channing, J., **Rutledge, M. (2023, July). Rural Initiative for Training Administrators with Special Education Expertise. OSEP Project Directors Meeting. Washington, DC.
Mims, P. J. (2023, April). Launching high school bioengineers on the path to college and careers. BioMADE Annual Meeting
*Courtade, G., Mims, P. J., Jimenez, B., Saunders, A., & Root, J. (2023, January). DADD Showcase: Equitable Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Extensive Support Needs. Council for Exceptional Children 2023 Annual Convention. Louisville.
Pennington, R., Mims, P. J., Williams, T., & Pinczynski, M. (2023, March). Academic Writing Success for Students with Extensive Support Needs. Council for Exceptional Children 2023 Annual Convention. Louisville.
Williams, T., Mims, P. J., & Pennington, R. (2023, January). Teaching Students with IDD to Write Sentences during Story-Based Lessons. 23rd International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl. Poster Presentation.
*Mims, P. J. (2023, January). Hidden Curriculum in Higher Education. Round Table Moderator. 23rd International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability,
& Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
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2022
Courtade, G., & Mims, P. J. (2022, September). Teaching Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities to Access the Australian Curriculum. 2022 AASE National Conference. Sydney Australia.
Mims, P. J. (2022, July). A Collaborative Model to Train Future Teachers and Speech Language Pathologists to Work with Students with Extensive Support Needs. IASE 17th Biennial Conference: Building an Inclusive Culture Worldwide. Vietnam.
Mims, P. J. (2022, July). Providing Grade Aligned Access to the General Curriculum: Why and How. IASE 17th Biennial Conference: Building an Inclusive Culture Worldwide. Vietnam.
Williams, T. R., Mims, P. J., & Pennington, R. (2022, January). Writing Instruction for Students with ID, DD, and AU: What Does the Research Say? 22nd International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl./ Virtual Conference. Poster Presentation.
Williams, T., Mims, P. J., & Pennington, R. (2022, January). Writing Instruction for Students with ID, DD, and AU: What Does the Research Say? Council for Exceptional Children 2022 Annual Convention. Orlando.
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2021
Cook, J. E., Williams, T. R., Mims, P. J., & Rowe, D. A. (2021, January). Virtual Workrooms: Supporting Teachers and Families in Implementing Research Practices for Students with Intensive Support Needs. 21st International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl./ Virtual Conference. Poster Presentation.
Cook, J. E., Williams, T. R., Mims, P. J., & Fox, J. (2021, January). Three Minute Tips: Providing Positive Behavioral Support Strategies at Home. 21st International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl./ Virtual Conference. Poster Presentation.
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2020
Chamber, C., & Mims, P. J. (2020, January). Balancing Scholarship, Teaching and Administration. 21st International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
Mims, P. J., & Chambers, C. (2020, January). Educating Students with ID and ASD 4-book series. 21st International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
**Spann, E., **Blair, J., & Mims, P. J. (2020, January). Survey of Teacher Candidate Knowledge of Special Education. 21st International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
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2019
**Alghamdi, A., & Mims, P. J., (2019, March). Effects of an Electronic Schedule on Independence for a Student with Autism. 38th Annual National American Council for Rural Special Education Conference. Alexandria, VA.
Baush, M., Courtade, G., Mims, P. J., & Butler, M. D. (2019, March). Advocating through Administration: Supporting People, Purpose, and Passion through Departmental and College Leadership. 38th Annual National American Council for Rural Special Education Conference. Alexandria, VA.
Mims, P. J., Pennington, R., & Courtade, G. (2019, March). Providing Access to Scholars for Teacher Candidates through Synchronous Platforms at Rural Universities. 38th Annual National American Council for Rural Special Education Conference. Alexandria, VA.
Pennington, R., & Mims, P. J. (2019, March). Improving Outcomes for Writers with Developmental Disabilities in Rural Settings: Using Autonomous Technological-Based Interventions. 38th Annual National American Council for Rural Special Education Conference. Alexandria, VA.
Mims, P. J., & Fox, J. (2019, March). A Survey of Special Educators in Rural Appalachia: Results of Overall Self Efficacy, Stress, and Burnout. 38th Annual National American Council for Rural Special Education Conference. Alexandria, VA.
Pennington, R., & Mims, P. J. (2019, February). Using predictable writing routines to teach written expression to students with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Council for Exceptional Children 2019 Annual Convention. Indianapolis.
Chambers, C., & Mims, P. J. (2019, January). Access ETSU: The Journey to Postsecondary Education. 20th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Maui.
Mims, P. J. (2019, January). Survey of Special Education Teachers’ Stress, Burnout, and Professional Development Needs in Rural School Districts. 20th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Maui.
Martin, L., & Mims, P. (2019, January). Creating Emotionally Responsive Inclusive Early Head Start Classrooms. 20th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Maui.
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2018
Miller, K., Courtade, G., Mims, P. J., & Butler, M. (2018, November). Becoming and effective leader in higher education: how to stack the deck in your favor. Teacher Education Division. Las Vegas, NV.
Miller, K. J., Collins, B., Bausch, M. Courtade, G., Galyon, C., & Mims, P. J. (2018, March). Skills and Attributes for Becoming an Effective Leader. 2018 ACRES conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
Pennington, R., & Mims, P. J. (2018, March).The Kids Will Have Their Say: Teaching Children with MSD/ASD to Write Opinions about Text. 2018 ACRES conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
Mims, P. J., Bartoszuk, K., **Oni, Olakunle, & Fox, J. (2018, March). Survey of special education teachers’ stress, burnout, and professional development needs in rural school districts. 2018 ACRES conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
Mims, P. J. (2018, February). Using Thematic Literacy Units to Address Transition Skills for Students with Severe Disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children 2018 Annual Convention. Tampa, Fl.
Root, J., Mims, P. J., & Knight, V. (2018, January) Infusing transition content into core content instruction for students with extensive support needs. 19th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
Pennington, R., & Mims, P. J. (2018, January). The kids will have their say: Teaching children with MSD/ASD to write opinions about text. 19th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
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2017
Root, J., Mims, P. J., & Knight, V. (2017, December). Addressing multiple priorities in academic core content instruction. 2017 Annual TASH Conference, Atlanta, GA.
*Mims, P. J. (April, 2017). IES SBIR Funded Project Presentation. Panel Presentation for Department of Education. Washington, DC.
Mims, P. J. & Ahlgrim-Delzell, L. (April, 2017). Using Technology and Systematic Instruction to Promote Grade Aligned English/Language Arts Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities. CEC 2017 Convention and Expo. Boston, MA.
Rivera, C., Baker, J., Mims, P. J., & Courtade, G.(April, 2017). Building a Culturally Responsive Framework for Students with Intellectual Disability to Increase Postsecondary Outcomes. CEC 2017 Convention and Expo. Boston, MA.
Mims, P. J., Courtade, G., Rivera, C., & Baker, J. (2017, March). A framework to promote postsecondary outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse students with intellectual disabilities. 2017 ACRES conference, Asheville, NC.
Mims, P. J., Young, P., & DeMarco, J. (2017, March). Technology-based intervention for promoting grade aligned ELA instruction for students with significant disabilities. 2017 ACRES conference, Asheville, NC.
Mims, P. J., & Pennington, R. (2017, January). Trends in Written Expression for Students with Moderate to Severe and Intellectual Disability: Past, Present and Future. 18th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
Mims, P. J. (2017, January). A Technology and Systematic Instruction Based Approach to Teaching Grade Aligned ELA Skills: Results from a Year Long Randomized Control Trial. 18th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
Mims, P. J., & Courtade, G. (2017, January). Increasing postsecondary outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse students with intellectual disability. 18th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities. Clearwater, Fl.
HONORS AND AWARDS
- 2021 Clemmer College Equity and Inclusion Award, Access ETSU Team.
- Nominated for the 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award at East Carolina University.
- Visiting Academic with University of Sydney 2017.
- 2017 Recipient of the American Council on Rural Special Education Research Article
of the Year Award.
- ETSU Clemmer College Outstanding Research Award 2015.
- Council for Exceptional Children- Division of Research- Student Research Award in
Single Subject Research for 2010.
- Snyder Distinguished Doctoral Fellow for University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2007-2008.
SELECTED GRANTS RECEIVED
Wheeler, J., Mims, P. J., Sirmon-Taylor, B., Boynewicz, K., & Isbell, C. (2024-2029). INSPIRE Appalachia: Integrating Necessary Support Professionals for Inclusive and Responsive Education. United States Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.(CFDA Number: 84.325R). [Co-I, Funded, $1,250,000].
Lewis, C., Rowe, D., Borland, J. Mims, P. J., & Chambers, C. (2023-2028). Empowering Inclusion and Success: A Grant for Special Education and School Counseling Programs. Office of Special Education Programs. 325K. $1,250,000. Funded
Prince, R., Kilaru, A., & Mims, P. J., Standardt, R. (2023-2025). Completing the Bioindustrial Pipeline: A multidisciplinary workforce development program for bio-process engineering for the region. Subcontract with BioMADE (USAF/AFMC) EWD PC 3.0. $3,880,854. Funded
Blevins, M., Rowe, D., & Mims, P. J. (2023-2026). Promoting Long-Term Quality of Life via Access ETSU. TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. $496,163. Funded.
Witte, A., Sheridan, S., Yoon, H., Hale, K., & Mims, P. J. (2023-2028). Efficacy of Teleconsultation with Parents and Teachers to Promote Student Social-Behavioral
Outcomes. Institute of Educational Sciences, Special Education Research. $3,000,000. Funded.
Mims, P. J. (2022-2024). Launching high school bioengineers on the paths to college and careers. Subcontract with BioMADE (USAF/AFMC) EWD PC 2.0. $558,432.00. Funded (ETSU: $264,864).
ETSU Principal Investigator.
Christian, G., Rowe, D., Mims, P., Foley, V., & Channing, J. (2022-2027). Rural Initiative for Training Administrators with Special Education Expertise. Office of Special Education Programs 325D. $1,250,000. Funded
Rowe, D.A., Cook, J., Mims, P.J., Chambers, C., Marks, L. Access ETSU. Submitted to U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education Under Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education (TIPSID). [co-investigator, Submitted, 07/07/2020, $2,500,000]
Rowe, D. A., Ryans, L., Mims, P., Chambers, C., & Marks, L. (2020) Raising Expectations. Submitted to East Tennessee State University Elevates Service Grant Competition.
[Submitted February 10, 2020, not funded, $5000]
Mims, P. J., Chambers, C., Louw, B, & Rowe, D. (2019). Creating interdisciplinary leaders in northeast Tennessee (CILNT). Office of Special Education Programs. $1,244,453. Funded
Chambers, C., Marks, L., & Mims, P. J. (2017). UPSTART inclusive Higher Education at ETSU. Next Steps Vanderbilt University.
Fox, J., Mims, P. J., & Bartozuk, K. (2017). Current practices and effectiveness of professional development in special education in rural environments. Spencer Foundation.
Chambers, C., & Mims. P. J. (2016). Vanderbilt postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities community conversation mini grant. Vanderbilt.
Mims, P. J., & Fox, J. (2014-2015). Teacher Support Program: A Multicomponent Program to Improve and Retain Special Educators. ETSU Research and Development Committee Major Grants. Role: Principal Investigator
Mims, P. J., (2014-2016). Phase II: Access: Language Arts. Institute of Educational Sciences, Department of Education, Small Business Innovation Research Program, Phase II.
Mims, P. J. (2013). Access: Language Arts. Institute of Educational Sciences, Department of Education, Small Business Innovation Research Program, Phase I. Role: Site Principal Investigator