Biography
Peggy Duffie is very excited to join Penn State Altoona as an assistant teaching professor of special education in the Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences. She recently earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of New Mexico in May 2024. Her career in education has been shaped by over a decade of experience in New Mexico public schools, where she supported preschool students with autism through federally funded Childfind programs from 2004–2014. From 2015–2017, she served as the head special education teacher at a Title I school, where she supported second to fifth-grade students with learning disabilities, intellectual disability, and autism.
As a longtime parent advocate alongside her eldest daughter, who has a disability, Duffie’s research is deeply rooted in social justice and the pursuit of equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for students with extensive support needs (ESN). She is particularly interested in how IEP teams collaborate and make decisions, as well as the barriers faced by students with ESN and their families, including the loss of educational rights when students are shifted to private or disability-only placements. Outside of her professional life, Duffie enjoys playing tennis and is the USTA adult league coordinator for Northern Central Pennsylvania. She is also an avid runner.
Duffie is married with two wonderful daughters, Allyson and Megan, and two pit bulls, Maibell and Penny. She is excited to be part of the Penn State Altoona community and looks forward to contributing to our shared mission.
Fun fact: Peggy coordinates and plays in adult tennis leagues in State College, Altoona, Ebensburg, and Williamsport. She hopes to entice many Penn State Altoona staff and faculty to join the league and play.