Barry W. Birnbaum holds an Ed.D. in early and middle education with an emphasis in special education from Nova Southeastern University and a master's degree in special education from Northeastern Illinois University. He is an associate professor at Western Illinois University and has experience teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses in special education, as well as elementary and secondary education. Dr. Birnbaum has published extensively, and his research interests include educational technology and various aspects of special education.