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LUE 640: Appreciative Inquiry Capstone (M.Ed. level)
LUE 625: Classroom-based Assessment (M.Ed. level)
LUE 610: Teacher Leadership Theory and Practice (M.Ed. level)
LUE 620: Effective Learning Environments (M.Ed. level)
HSR 240: Disability, Society, and the Individual
HSR 210: Introduction to Research in Human Services
ECE 410: Education Research
ECE 411: Action Research in Education
PSY 420: Research Methods
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
Dr. LeGary is an established educational leader in K-12 special education. He has served and partnered with children, adolescents, and their families in their pursuit of equitable educational opportunities. Having worked with students with complex learning profiles, Rob brings a level of empathy, compassion, and optimism to his teaching practice while removing barriers for all students to realize their academic and career potential. As an experienced higher education instructor, Rob is passionate about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive teaching practices. He believes that learning is a collaborative, equitable, and visible process that is mutually beneficial and transformative for both students and the teacher. Rob enjoys sharing his teaching and leadership experiences in the classroom as an associate professor, senior teaching fellow, and the program director for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Teacher Leadership at Goodwin University and University of Bridgeport. Rob has co-facilitated multiple faculty development sessions on the application of UDL teaching practices in higher education. He has published and presented his scholarship on UDL pedagogy and andragogy in academic journals and at national conferences.
Ed.D., Educational Leadership (Higher Education), University of Hartford
M.A., Art History and Criticism, Stony Brook University (full-tuition scholarship)
B.A., History, Eastern Connecticut State University (summa cum laude)
Peer-Reviewed Presentations:
LaRocco, D., Bennar, A., & LeGary, R. (2024, November 8). Appreciative Inquiry: A Framework for Positive Transformation in Higher Education [Conference presentation]. New England Educational Assessment Network (NEean) 2024 Fall Forum, Navigating Change Through Effective, Transformative, and Innovative Assessment, at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.
McGinnis, K., Emet, E., & LeGary, R. (2024, September 27). Using UDL outside of the classroom [Conference presentation]. No Label, No Limits: The Power of UDL 2024 Conference at Goodwin University in East Hartford, CT.
LaRocco, D., & LeGary, R. (2024, September 25). Learning in action: Navigating and responding [Webinar presentation]. 9 in 9 Webinar Series 2024 at Goodwin University and University of Bridgeport.
LeGary, R. (2023, November 3). Appreciating Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Applications In and Out of the Higher Education Classroom [Conference presentation]. Learning Assistance Association of New England (LAANE) 2023 Annual Conference at Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R. (2023, April 25). Engaging Students Deeply and Collaboratively: Intentionally Designing and Facilitating Inclusive Learning Environments through the Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Frameworks [Conference presentation]. GMercyU 3rd Annual 2023 Conference on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education at Gwynedd Mercy University, Gwynedd Valley, PA.
LeGary, R. (2023, March 23). Engaging online learning: Intentionally supporting students’ self-determination through inclusive pedagogy [Conference presentation]. Innovative Teaching and Learning Conference 2023, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
LeGary, R., & Kania, J. (2023, March 8-10). Humanizing and redesigning online learning: Engaging students through active learning strategies that promote choice, collaboration, and self-regulation [Conference presentation]. Southern Regional Faculty and Instructional Development Consortium (SRFIDC) Conference at Auburn University, AL.
LeGary, R. (2022, May 20). Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles for building intentional student-faculty relationships in an online M.Ed. program [Conference presentation]. Pedagogicon 2022 Relationship-Rich Education in Teaching and Learning Conference at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky.
LeGary, R. (2022, April 27 – 28). Examining the interuniversity partnership of an M.Ed. joint degree program through the lens of the Interagency Arrangements Model [Conference poster presentation]. Teaching and Learning Conference 2022, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
LeGary, R. (2022, March 29). Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and cognitive load principles to an intentionally designed online M.Ed. Program [Conference presentation]. Innovative Teaching and Learning 2022 Conference, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States.
LeGary, R. (2022, March 9 – 11). Intentional design of an M.Ed. Program: Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles for building effective student-faculty relationships [Conference presentation]. SRFIDC 2022 Conference, Auburn University, AL, United States.
LeGary Jr., R. (2015, October). Advanced undergraduate students with autism spectrum disorder: Perceptions of the social supports that buffer college-related stress and facilitated academic success [Conference presentation]. Symposium on Special Education Research at the Northeastern Educational Research Association (NERA) Conference in Trumbull, CT.
LeGary Jr., R., Lamoureux, J. (2015, April). Applying a cross-disciplinary approach with 3D printing, coding, and graphic design for middle and high school students with autism spectrum disorder [Conference presentation]. Connecticut Fourth Annual STEM Conference at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2014, May). Social support that leads to academic success: A qualitative study of the perceptions of postsecondary students with an autism spectrum disorder [Conference presentation]. New England Educational Research Organization (NEERO) Conference in Dover, VT.
LeGary Jr., R. & McGrady, K. (2013, October). Personalized approach: Cohesive treatment model for autism spectrum children and adolescents [Conference presentation]. Connecticut Psychological Association Conference in Windsor, CT.
Invited Presentations:
Zatony, M., & LeGary, R. (2024, October 16). Managing Time and Stress to Prevent Academic Misconduct [Conference presentation]. Presented for Upholding Academic Integrity: Best Practices and Strategies 2024 Inaugural Conference at Goodwin University in East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2024, September 25). Learning in action: Navigating and responding. 9 in 9: Universal Design for Learning Free Webinar Series, Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT.
Daily, B., & LeGary, R. (2024, May 8). Productivity using AI in the workplace. Presented for Connecticut Council of Independent Colleges Executive Assistants Committee, West Hartford, CT (online).
LaRocco, D., & LeGary, R. (2024, March 1). Learning experience design and Universal Design for Learning. Presented for UCONN Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Related Disabilities (CT LEND) in Farmington, CT.
LeGary, R., & Vernace, V. (2024, February 26). Exchanging self with others: Providing social support to your faculty colleagues. Presented at Goodwin University’s School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences June 2023 Faculty Meeting (online).
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2024, September 25). Learning in action: Navigating and responding. 9 in 9: Universal Design for Learning Free Webinar Series, Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R., Christolini, J., & LaRocco, D. (2023, October 18). Less Talking, More Learning: Bridgeport Police Training Academy. Presented to the Bridgeport Police Department Training Academy at the School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2023, August 23). Inclusivity by design: Applying the UDL Framework to transform learning and teaching. Presented for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI.
Morin, K., & LeGary, R. (2023, July 26). Artificial intelligence (AI): Looking through the UDL looking glass: How to coexist with AI. Presented for Faculty Focus Series, Goodwin University Center for Teaching Excellence in East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R., & Kania, J. (2023, June 14). Reading across the academic disciplines: An appreciative approach to teaching students reading comprehension strategies. Presented at Goodwin University’s School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences June 2023 Faculty Meeting (online).
LeGary, R., & Kania, J. (2023, April 14). Humanizing and redesigning online learning: Engaging students through active learning strategies that promote choice, collaboration, and self-regulation. Presented for Faculty Focus Series, Goodwin University Center for Teaching Excellence in East Hartford, CT.
LaRocco, D., & LeGary, R. (2023, March 24). Leveraging design thinking and Universal Design for Learning. Presented for UCONN Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Related Disabilities (CT LEND) in Farmington, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2023, February 9). Appreciative inquiry: From theory to practice. Presented for Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation and Connecticut State Department of Education at Capital Region Education Council in Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R. (2022, February 2). Supporting students’ self-determination through inclusive pedagogy. Presented at Goodwin University’s School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences February 2022 Faculty Meeting (online).
LeGary, R. (2022, January). Intentionally supporting students’ motivation through self-determination practices. Presented at Goodwin University’s School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences January 2022 Faculty Retreat (online).
LeGary Jr., R. (2020, February). Understanding and working with college students with autism spectrum disorder [Presentation]. Middlesex Community College in Middletown, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2019, April). Understanding and working effectively with individuals with autism spectrum disorder for community and direct care professionals [Presentation]. Middlesex Hospital for Physician Grand Rounds in Middletown, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2018, April). Exploring strategies to address mental and behavioral issues in our campus community [Presentation]. Middlesex Community College in Middletown, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2015, September). Guiding home visitation, group, and direct care staff on how best to work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder [Presentation]. Family Enrichment Center, Department of Social Work, The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, CT.
Publications and Digital Scholarship:
LeGary, R. (2024). Applying appreciative inquiry for analyzing leadership events. Deeper Learning Journal of Practice, 3. https://dljp.org/appreciative-inquiry-for-analyzing-leadership-events/
LeGary, R. (Contributor). (2023, November). Preparing UDL teacher leaders: Implementing the UDL framework in education graduate courses [Audio podcast episode]. In Goodwin teaches: Universal design for learning stories in higher education.
LeGary, R. (2023). Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles for building intentional student-faculty relationships in graduate education. Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings, 4. https://encompass.eku.edu/pedagogicon/2022/enrich-it/4/
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2023). Job-embedded professional learning: Facilitating faculty implementation of UDL. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 172, 93-103. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15360768/2022/2022/172
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2023). Scaling up UDL in higher education: Personal and professional stories. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 172, 7-9. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15360768/2022/2022/172
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (Eds.). (2023). Universal design for learning [Special issue]. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 172. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15360768/2022/2022/172
LeGary, R. (2022, December 28). ‘It’s all about relationships’: Building student-faculty relationships in the M.Ed. program. Goodwin University ENEWS. https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/building-student-faculty-relationships-in-online-classrooms/
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2022, December 27). Goodwin University’s Advanced UDL Institute: How five senior teaching fellows are implementing UDL principles. Goodwin University ENEWS. https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/goodwin-university-advanced-udl-institute/
LeGary, R. (Contributor). (2022, August). Embracing UDL in higher education [Audio podcast episode]. In Goodwin teaches: Universal design for learning stories in higher education. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RAFfPhu9nHPDGg0qcanmZ
LeGary, R. (2021, July 27). Misrepresentation and misalignment: Developing a structured interview guide with +1 UDL representation solutions. Goodwin University ENEWS.
https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/faculty-article-udl-developing-structured-interview-guides-with-udl-representation-solutions/
LeGary, R. (2017). College students with autism spectrum disorder: Perceptions of social supports that buffer college-related stress and facilitate academic success. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 30, 251-268.
Dr. LeGary believes that learning is a collaborative, equitable, and visible process that is mutually beneficial and transformative for both students and the teacher. This mindset is predicated on an active learning approach that engages and motivates, with rigor and support, students in their personalized educational growth. The classroom environment needs to be safe, caring, and non-judgmental to foster openness and risk taking among students as an integral part of the cooperative learning experience. Furthermore, the aim of education is to develop and hone students' critical thinking skills, effective verbal and written communication, inclusive worldview, knowledge inquiry, and creativity. All of which can be generalized to a variety of career opportunities in teaching and serving others.
Excellence in Scholarship Faculty Wall and Certificate Recognition, Goodwin University, 2023
Excellence in Teaching Award, Goodwin University, 2022
Excellence in Scholarship Faculty Wall Recognition, Goodwin University, 2022
The Joanne Andershonis-Reich Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership, University of Hartford, 2015
Mary and Alan Wilson Endowed Scholarship Award, University of Hartford, 2014
Full Graduate Tuition Scholarship Award, Stony Brook University, 1999-2001
Volunteer Literacy Tutor, Literacy Volunteers for Greater Hartford (LVGH), October 2023 – Present.
Reviewer, Editorial Board of Reviewers, The Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (JAASEP) and Special Education Research, Policy & Practice (SERPP), 2023-Present.
Proposal Reviewer, Workforce and Employability Skills: Teaching and Learning for Future Careers, 2023 Pedagogicon Conference, East Kentucky University, 2023.
Advisory Member, NASET/AASEP Advisory Council for Board Certifications and Professional Development, National Association of Special Education Teachers, 2021-Present.
Proposal Reviewer, Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education: +1 Transformation by Design, Second Annual Conference, Goodwin College, 2019.
Proposal Reviewer, From Novice to Expert: Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Across the Disciplines, Inaugural Conference, Goodwin College, 2018.
Inclusive pedagogy and andragogy
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in PK-12 and higher education
Student development and learning theories
Higher education faculty professional development
Social support in higher education