Brad Thompson

Brad D. Thompson is a doctoral candidate in the Education Policy and Evaluation Ph.D. program at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. His research focuses on the special education teacher workforce, with particular attention to recruitment, preparation, and retention, as well as policies that expand educational opportunities for students with disabilities and system-involved youth. His work emphasizes strengthening district–university partnerships to inform educator preparation and enhance early-career support systems.

Beyond his academic work, Brad serves as the Children and Youth Action Network (CAN) Coordinator for Arizona’s Council for Exceptional Children, leading grassroots advocacy to advance policies supporting individuals with disabilities and the professionals that support them. He is also a member of ASU’s OASIS Learning Futures Collaborative, which works to expand access to supports and evidence-based practices for all children. A former special education teacher in Title I schools and a military veteran, Brad brings a strong commitment to public service that informs his scholarship, teaching and civic engagement.