Championing Change with Dr. Michael Faggella-Luby
At the heart of the Alice Neeley Special Education Research and Service (ANSERS) Institute at TCU is a mission to transform the quality of life and learning for students with disabilities and their families. Few embody this mission more fully than Dr. Michael Faggella-Luby, a nationally recognized scholar, educator, and advocate whose work continues to shape the future of special education—locally, nationally, and globally.
We recently sat down with Dr. Faggella-Luby to discuss his research, community partnerships, and international initiatives. What emerged was a portrait of a leader deeply committed to evidence-based practice, inclusive innovation, and the power of collaboration.
A Framework for Impact
Dr. Faggella-Luby’s newest book, Specially Designed Instruction: The Definitive Guide, is a roadmap for educators seeking to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. He describes Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) as a three-step process: identifying student needs, matching them to evidence-based practices, and measuring outcomes. This approach not only improves academic performance but also enhances quality of life for students and their families.
“Effective teaching isn’t just about knowing what works,” he explained. “It’s about knowing why it works and how to apply it in real classrooms.”
Community Partnerships That Drive Inclusion
From Starpoint School to Fort Worth ISD and parent outreach programs, Dr. Faggella-Luby’s work with community partners reflects ANSERS’ commitment to fostering inclusion. These collaborations help bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that students with diverse learning needs receive the support they deserve.
“Community engagement is essential,” he said. “It’s where theory meets reality and where real change happens.”
Global Leadership in Disability Education
Dr. Faggella-Luby’s influence extends far beyond Texas. Through international workshops and postsecondary disability training initiatives, he’s helping shape inclusive education systems around the world. His work with the SPIDER Consortium, for example, focuses on improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities across cultures.
“Disability isn’t understood the same way everywhere,” he noted. “We’re developing tools that respect cultural differences while promoting universal access to education.”
Plans are already underway to bring 30 international scholars to Portland, Maine, and to host a major conference in Singapore, where 12 U.S. researchers will join global colleagues to share insights and strategies in 2025.
Multidisciplinary Thinking
One of the most compelling aspects of Dr. Faggella-Luby’s approach is his belief in multidisciplinary collaboration. Whether working with faculty across departments or mentoring students, he emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in solving complex educational challenges.
“How we support neurodiverse learners requires more than one lens,” he said. “At ANSERS, we’re building a community of thinkers who apply multi-paradigmatic problem solving methods and who aren’t afraid to ask hard questions.”
Looking Ahead
As ANSERS continues to grow, Dr. Faggella-Luby is focused on expanding its reach and impact. Upcoming projects include an NSF grant for AI-powered classroom observation tools and an IU grant to support pre-health majors to persist in postsecondary STEM majors. He’s also preparing to take TCU graduate students to the Council for Exceptional Children International Conference in Salt Lake City.
“We’re cultivating leaders who will advocate for change wherever they go,” Dr. Faggella-Luby stated.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Faggella-Luby’s work is a testament to what’s possible when research, advocacy, and community come together. For TCU students and alumni, his story is a reminder that meaningful change begins with a commitment to inclusion, innovation, and collaboration.
As ANSERS continues to spotlight faculty who are making a difference, Dr. Faggella-Luby’s feature sets a powerful precedent. His journey invites us all to think more deeply about how we support students with disabilities and how we can each play a role in building a more inclusive future.