Campus Directory
Maureen Best
| Title: | Assistant Professor |
| Office: | Pacelli Hall |
| Phone: | 773-298-3562 |
| Email: | best@sxu.edu |
| Department: | Comm. Sci. & Disorders |
Biography
Maureen Orawiec Best, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an assistant professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Division. Best has worked as a speech-language pathologist for over 20 years in diverse settings with all ages of clients from birth to 104 years of age. Prior to joining the faculty at Saint Xavier University, her previous experience in higher education includes working as an assistant professor of special education at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and an adjunct instructor at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. Additionally, she directed clinical education as the clinical coordinator and faculty member in the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Education
Ph.D. in Language and Literacy
Cardinal Stritch University
M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology
Indiana University
B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Western Illinois University
Areas of Specialization
- Language and Literacy
- Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Low Incidence Disabilities
- Evidence-Based IEP Development and Professional Writing in CSD
Certification/Licensure
- Certificate of Clinical Competence, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Illinois Professional Educator License, Speech-Language Pathology (Teaching)
- Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, State of Illinois
Courses Taught
- CSD 202: Professional Writing in CSD
- CSD 301: Speech Sound Disorders
- CSD 308: Aural Rehabilitation
- CSD 320: Communication in the School-Age Years
- CSD 503: Developmental Language Disorders
- CSD 505: Aural Rehabilitation
Selected Honors/Awards
- Illinois Speech-Language Hearing Association Leadership Development Academy (2023)
- Cardinal Stritch University Faculty Research/Development Grant (2013)
Presentations/Publications/Productions
Publications
Best, M. O. (2023). Knowledge and beliefs About IEPs and specially designed instruction for reading: A mixed methods analysis of special education teachers in Illinois (Publication No. 30522533). [Doctoral dissertation, Cardinal Stritch University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.
Orawiec, M.S. & Alls, C. (2017). Strategies that work: Positive behavioral supports to help students with special needs thrive in music education. Illinois Music Educator, 78, 29-31.
Selected Presentations
Alls, C., & Orawiec, M.S. (2017). Preventing behaviors: How to prepare students with exceptionalities to succeed in music. Illinois Music Education Conference, Illinois Music Educator Association, Peoria, IL.
Orawiec, M.S., Steuber, J., and Haughton, G. (2013). Build ups and break downs: A differentiated writing strategy for all learners, Presented at the CEL Conference, National Council for Teachers of English, Boston, MA.
Steuber, J., Haughton G., and Orawiec, M.S. (2013). Strategies for increasing young children's oral language skills and vocabulary knowledge through interactive read alouds. Quality Educator Convention, Madison, WI.
Orawiec, M.S. & Nerad, A. (2012). Multimodal communication. Invited Session Presenter for the GEAR UP Grant in conjunction with the Milwaukee Public School System, Milwaukee, WI.
Orawiec, M.S. (2009). Increasing literacy for children with hearing loss. Invited presentation for the Community Lecture Series at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, Hinsdale, IL.
Orawiec, M.S. (2008). The latest sound choices for children with hearing loss: Aural rehabilitation considerations. Invited presentation for the Professional Educational Seminar at Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital, LaGrange, IL.