Laura Mae Sebastian

Laura M. Sebastian, M.Ed., MAT, is an education research associate at the University of Cincinnati’s Systems Development & Improvement Center and an EDST PhD student in Special Education. With over 15 years of experience in K–20 urban special education, she now leads and supports state and federally funded projects that advance equity, instructional quality, and teacher capacity in special education, STEM, and multilingual learner instruction. A former Cincinnati Public School department/curriculum council chair and a current UC adjunct instructor, Laura specializes in evidence-based practices, high-leverage practices, Universal Design for Learning, and mentoring systems that strengthen educator preparation and retention.

Master's in the Art of Teaching: College of Mount Saint Joseph Cincinnati, OH, 2010 (Multicultural Special Education)

Bachelor's in Science: Psychology: Cincinnati Christian University Cincinnati, OH, 2003

Master's in Educational Leadership: University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, 2024

PhD Educational Studies: University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, (Special Education)

Laura’s research and practice focus on advancing equity and inclusion through evidence-based practices, Universal Design for Learning, and educator development, with emphasis on special education teacher preparation, retention, and effective instruction for diverse and underserved learners.

08-2012 -07-2023 Special Education Teacher, Cincinnati Public Schools- Hughes STEM High School, Cincinnati, OH

08-2009 -08-2012 Senior Support Specialists, Cincinnati Public Schools- Ethel M. Taylor Academy, Cincinnati, OH

06-2023 - Education Research Associate, University of Cincinnati- SDI Center, Cincinnati, OH

Grant: #P116W220029 Investigators:Sebastian, Laura ; Broscheid, Kelly 10-01-2022 -09-30-2025 Department of Education IT for All Ohioans Role:PI 1229255.00 Active Type:Grant

Grant: #H325N230004 Investigators:Sebastian, Laura; Telfer, Deborah 10-01-2023 -09-30-2028 Department of Education CHANGE for Inclusive Early Childhood: Creating High-impact Agents of Change for the Next Generation of Educators Role:PI 399926.29 Active

Poster Presentations

Sebastian, L. (06-2023. ) Caseload Organizational Tools Poster Presentation. Council for Exceptional Children-Ohio Summer Conference, Columbus OH. . Conference. . Level:State

Paper Presentations

Sebastian, L. (07-2025. ) Council for Exceptional Children-Ohio Mentoring Program .Washington DC. Conference. Level:National

Sebastian, L. (06-2025. ) University of Cincinnati's System Development & Improvement Center Educational Projects Presentation .Columbus OH. Conference. Level:State

Ariyarante, T., Sebastian, L., Foote, L. (04-2025. ) Improving Science Outcomes for Learners with Disabilities: The Intersectionality of National, State Standards and Frameworks .Denver CO. Conference. Level:National

Sebastian, L., Ogletree, S., Doyle, K., Kroeger, S. (03-2025. ) Mentorship: Enhancing Special Educator Preparation by Implementing High-Leverage Practices. Baltimore, MD. Conference. Level:International

Sebastian, L. (08-2025. ) The Inside Scoop: Effective Professional Development Resources from the 325N Project. Washington DC. Conference. Level:National

Ariyarante, T., Sebastian, L., Foote, L. (11-2024. ) Integrating High Leverage Practices and Universal Design for Learning in STEM Instruction for Students with Exceptionalities .Pittsburg PA. Conference. Level:National

Sebastian, L., Ottley, J. R., Sivira-Gonzalez, Y., Shin, J., Conway, J., & Ariyaratne, T. (06-2024. ) University of Cincinnati's System Development & Improvement Center Educational Projects Presentation .Columbus OH. Conference. Level:State

Phone: 513-265-7572