Thompson Policy Institute on Disability (TPI) is committed to developing a thriving teaching workforce prepared to serve all students, especially those who have been historically underserved. TPI collaborates closely with educator preparation programs (EPPs) and school districts to enhance the quality of teacher preparation, ensure equity in access to the profession, and drive innovative solutions to school staffing challenges.

By combining year-long, immersive teacher residencies with on-the-job mentorship with an experienced educator, our model builds capacity within schools while improving teacher retention, strengthening school culture, and elevating student outcomes.

Founded by Dr. Donald N Cardinal in 2015, Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute on Disability strives to bring policy, practice, and research together to work to ensure equity and inclusivity for people with disabilities by addressing barriers that limit access to learning, living, working, and the pursuit of enviable and dignified lives.

All aspects of TPI’s work embraces Chapman’s perspective of diversity and focuses on the practice of including people by recognizing, respecting, and valuing a combination of differences. When backgrounds, interests, and perspectives are understood and supported, value is added to the community and institute at large.

In particular, Dr. Meghan Cosier—Executive Director and Professor—, Debra Russell, and Taylor Stratz are regular and trusted co-conspirers of Founder, Dr. Rebecca Hatkoff. Over the last five years, they’ve joyfully collaborated across research, writing, and residency design projects.