Dr. Candi Running Bear, Special Education

Name:

Dr. Candi Running Bear

Title:

Assistant Professor

Department:

Special Education

Describe your research in about 200 words.

My research focuses on improving support for young Native American children with disabilities, especially those with or at risk for autism. I work closely with families, educators, and tribal communities to make sure the services offered are respectful of Native cultures, languages, and traditions. My projects include adapting autism support programs so they better fit the communication styles and daily lives of Diné (Navajo) families. I am working to study how well teachers feel prepared to support Native children with autism in rural and tribal schools. I use a mix of tools in my work, such as interviews, surveys, and family feedback, to understand what’s working and what needs to change. A big part of my approach is making sure tribal voices guide the work. I believe in building partnerships based on trust and shared knowledge, and I aim to create programs that communities can use and benefit from in the long term. I also care deeply about helping more Native people enter careers in education and research and am committed to mentoring the next generation of Indigenous scholars.

What’s the most interesting thing you have learned from a student?

One thing my students have taught me is to stay curious and keep learning, especially as new technologies like AI change the way we teach. Seeing how AI is starting to show up in classrooms has made me think more about what it means to be a teacher today. To truly help my students, I know I need to keep growing too, trying out new tools, learning fresh ideas, and staying open to change. Using AI in teaching does not take away the personal connection; it gives us a chance to improve how we reach and support diverse learners. It has pushed me to rethink my teaching and stay up to date with what’s happening in education. My students remind me all the time that learning goes both ways, they learn from me, and I learn just as much from them.