She has an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders, a masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education and doctoral degree in Moderate to Severe Disabilities. Dr. Hawkins-Lear has been in the field of special education for over 20 years working as a preschool teacher, early interventionist, and researcher prior to higher education. Currently, her research interest areas include working with preschool teachers on using embedded instruction when working with young children with significant disabilities.