Dr. Rola Balaa
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Office: Heritage Building,  Room # 304
Tel. ext.: 311
rola.balaa@haigazian.edu.lb

BIO
Dr. Rola Shukri Balaa, Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology, holds a Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Educational Psychology and is an Inclusive Education Consultant with more than 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and teachers.

With formal training in special education, Dr. Balaa was among the first in Lebanon to pioneer and implement inclusive education practices with children and adolescents with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. In addition to her work in special education, she has served as a school counselor and educational psychology consultant, supporting teachers and parents on matters related to child development, learning, and education.

Since 2004, Dr. Balaa has been teaching in higher education institutions, offering courses in special education and educational psychology. She has supervised the practicum experiences of more than 200 student-teachers in Special Education programs, contributing to the professional preparation of future educators. She also supervises graduate theses focusing on topics related to populations with diverse learning and developmental needs.

Dr. Balaa has collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), the Center for Educational Research and Development (CERD), UNICEF, and other national and international agencies. Her work has involved developing teacher training modules, conducting professional development workshops, and providing technical assistance on topics related to inclusive education, classroom management, assessment, and intervention for students with neurodevelopmental disorders. She has also developed culturally relevant guidance materials for parents in Arab contexts.

Dr. Balaa’s research focuses on early identification and intervention for children at risk of school failure, as well as on the adaptation and validation of culturally appropriate assessment tools for Arab children. She adapted a school readiness screening measure to the Lebanese context, conducted validation studies, and established the first Lebanese norms for this tool.

Dr. Balaa is an active member of several professional organizations and committees and remains committed to ongoing professional development. She continues to stay informed of current research and best practices in education and psychology, with a sustained focus on improving inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all children.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Test Adaptation and Validation, Early Identification and Intervention, School Readiness, Inclusive Education

ACADEMIC DEGREES
PhD in Education, concentration Educational Psychology
MA in Education, emphasis Educational Psychology – School Guidance & Counseling