Abigail Foley

Abigail M. Foley is a nationally recognized leader in designing and scaling evidence-based solutions that strengthen state and local education systems. Her career spans special education, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), early literacy, and high-dosage tutoring—fields in which she has shaped practice through strategic guidance, practitioner-focused tools, and practice-based professional learning for educators and administrators. With expertise spanning both research and practice, Foley brings clarity and purpose to bridge to policy and implementation, designing supports that accelerate teaching, learning, and leadership.

As deputy director of the Northeast Comprehensive Center, Foley leads teams of content experts and technical assistance providers to advance states’ regional priorities that improve outcomes for children and youth. She also directs the Lead IDEA Center, a large federally funded technical assistance center focused on building the capacity of early intervention program and PreK–12 school leaders to implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Previously, Foley served as deputy director of the federally funded Lead for Literacy Center and helped launch AIR’s MTSS Center and Fuchs Tutoring business lines, overseeing the development of practice-based tools, operational systems, and evidence-informed supports for educators. She has also published numerous briefs and papers focused on practice-based educator preparation and implementation of the science of reading.

Prior to AIR, Foley was an elementary special education teacher. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Getting Things Done productivity trainer.