Ph.D., Special Education 2018; The Pennsylvania State University - University Park, PA 

M.Ed., Special Education 2010; Arcadia University - Philadelphia, PA

B.A., Political Science - 2nd Major: International Relations 2003; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Andy M. Markelz, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Foundations and Exceptionalities at James Madison University. Born and raised in Homer, Alaska, Dr. Markelz has traveled, worked, and lived in a variety of countries and cultures. He entered the field of education as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Kiribati (2004-2007). Dr. Markelz began his special education teaching career in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he taught as a special education teacher while working toward his master’s degree from Arcadia University. Dr. Markelz continued his education at The Pennsylvania State University, earning his doctorate in special education with a focus on teacher education policy and law. 

Today, Dr. Markelz has several peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. He is founding editor of the Journal of Special Education Preparation and has authored multiple books. Dr. Markelz serves on the executive board of the Teacher Education Division for the Council for Exceptional Children and is committed to expediting the novice-to-expert teaching curve by preparing special educators to implement proactive classroom management strategies and develop meaningful and legally defensible individualized education programs.