Sara Martin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Special Education
Gillham Hall 2000 Z
Mailstop 924
419.530.4123
Bio
Dr. Sara Martin is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Toledo. Her research focuses on promoting meaningful inclusion for students with extensive support needs in general education settings. Specifically, her work examines inclusive educational placements, peer-mediated interventions, and the training and support of paraeducators to promote students’ academic engagement, social interaction, and sense of belonging.
Education
Ph.D., Special Education, The Ohio State University, 2026
Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Quantitative Research Methods
M.A., Special Education, The Ohio State University, 2022
B.S., Special Education, The Ohio State University, 2015
Research Interests
- Meaningful inclusion and inclusive educational placements for students with extensive support needs
- Peer-mediated interventions and peer support arrangements in inclusive classrooms
- Paraeducator training, coaching, and support
Publications
Martin, S. M., Brock, M. E., & Anderson, K. M. (2026). An updated systematic review of the evidence base for peer support arrangements. The Journal of Special Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224669261445990
Brock, M. E., Martin, S. M., Lin, T.-J., Kovacich, H., Jiang, H., O’Connell, A. A., Anderson, K. M., France, E., Hashemi, H., Hudler, S. E., Hunt, S., Hurlburt, G., Viera, K., & Xu, M. (2026). Recess for students with extensive support needs: A missed opportunity for meaningful inclusion. Exceptional Children, 93(1), 135-154. https://doi.org/10.1177/00144029261425846
Book Chapter
Brock, M. E., & Martin, S. M. (2026). What is the role of paraeducators? In C. J. Lemons, M. P. Weiss, & S. E. Hirsch (Eds.), Enduring issues in special education: Personal perspectives (2nd ed., pp. 211-224). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003495215-15
