By Margaret Schell

F or students with disabilities, the world looks a little brighter thanks to researcher Logan Roberts (’19), who is passionate about leveling the playing field for people with disabilities and improving their lives and treatment.

After graduating from Georgia College & State University with a bachelor’s in special education, Roberts participated in Teach for America, an AmeriCorps national service network program. This two-year commitment turned into three for Roberts working in a high-need middle school in South-Central Los Angeles where he taught students with academic and behavioral challenges.

“As one of 200 recent college graduates from across the U.S., we moved for the first time to Los Angeles, where we shared that experience,” Roberts said. “It proved helpful in those early years of teaching.”

Although it was a stressful job, he is thankful for his time in the program. Teach for America provided Roberts with an extensive support system and fulfilling experiences, including when he noticed a student who belonged in a more inclusive learning environment.

“The student was incredibly advanced compared to his peers,” Roberts said. “I worked hard with him to make up his learning gaps in writing. When he tested, he performed so well that he moved into a general education classroom, which put him on track to earn a high school diploma. Now, he’s planning to attend college.”

“Often students, for whatever reason, are placed in special education and held there,” he said. “They’re not supported in a way that would help them transition out. I noticed this and was able to help that student navigate that system, which is unfortunately rare.”

Roberts has a master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University and is pursuing his doctorate with a concentration in special education at New York University. He plans to graduate in 2029.

Once he earns his doctoral degree, Roberts would like to become a professor of teacher education for special educators like his mentor, Georgia College Special Education Professor Dr. Rob Sumowski.

“I aim to emulate the kind of educator Dr. Sumowski was for me to my students,” Roberts said. “He showed grace for me when I needed it, but still held me accountable because he knew how important providing high-quality education is for every student. He believed in my ability to do that.”

“What students remember from their teacher is who they are,” he said. “Dr. Sumowski loved and cared for his students, but also had high expectations for us. I would not be who I am today if it wasn't for him.”

Part of Roberts’ doctoral research focuses on how inclusive practices can enhance all students' educational and social-emotional experiences and outcomes.

“I realize what a strong impact working with people with disabilities had on me,” Roberts said. “I grew in my moral development. It creates a more robust learning experience. That includes not only race, ethnic or gender diversity, but also diversity of ability."

Roberts also investigates the criminalization and exploitation of individuals with disabilities. His research interest centers around Central State Hospital, now Central State Prison.

“I'm interested in exploring the reasons, laws and racist ideologies around confining people with disabilities,” he said. “We see a strong parallel between special education and the school-to-prison pipeline. There are high rates of juvenile detention and incarceration.”

“As a society, we must do better. There should be more loving attention to how we treat people differently abled than us,” Roberts said.

Roberts hopes his research will benefit individuals with disabilities and keep them less constrained by systems of oppression.