We work to create better educational opportunities and outcomes for young people most in need. With over 60 combined years of professional experience in public education, we have led at every level, from the classroom to the boardroom. With that wide and deep expertise, we can effectively link practice, research and policy to address dilemmas facing education leaders.
Jeannette has led as a classroom teacher, a professional developer, an instructional leader for a network of innovative charter schools, and an advocate. She began her career as a high school social studies teacher. While teaching, she advised student groups, mentored student teachers, and received multiple “Teacher of the Year” awards. As Vice-President of Instruction for Envision Schools Jeannette oversaw curriculum and instruction, school accountability, and professional development. As Senior Director of Professional Services at Teachscape, she managed professional development projects for schools, districts, and states across the country. As the Director of Equity Initiatives at the Education Trust-West, she partnered with schools, districts, and statewide campaigns to expand student access to high quality instruction. Jeannette lectured on instructional leadership in the graduate education program at Universidad de Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile, holds a Ph.D. in Education Administration & Policy Analysis and a Masters in Teaching from Stanford University, and is a credentialed secondary teacher and school administrator in California.
Through my work with her, I know Jeannette’s deep commitment to provide all students, especially those who are traditionally underserved, with excellent teaching. She knows what effective leaders who foster teaching excellence do to recruit, mobilize, organize, guide, and support teachers who become increasingly able to teach all students well. And she’s helped students, teachers, and school leaders realize ambitious goals grounded in the belief that all students should be prepared to succeed in college and beyond. Jeannette has a deep knowledge of teaching and learning, a strong belief in the importance of instructional leadership, and an approach to teamwork that makes others feel valued and respected for their contributions.
Linda Darling Hammond, Emeritus Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education, Stanford University and President and Chief Executive Officer, Learning Policy Institute
Matt has led as a non-profit manager, a school district department head, a policy analyst, and a strategic consultant. At New Leaders, he worked with states and universities to design, build and implement effective strategies for principal preparation, certification, evaluation, and development. Matt also held several senior leadership roles in the San Francisco Unified School District, managing multiple departments, designing and implementing reform strategies, and managing relationships with civic partners. As Senior Program Officer at the James Irvine Foundation, he managed a portfolio of grants focused on secondary education and equitable access to higher education in California. For much of his career, Matt has served as a lecturer on Education policy (at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education and at the Universidad de Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile) and has served on boards of organizations focused on school improvement and parent empowerment. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University.
Photo Credit: daniinthecity photography
Matt was instrumental in translating an initial vision for developing school and district leadership capacity in the state to a bold and coherent suite of services that meet the needs of school and district leaders across Connecticut. Matt has program management skills, interpersonal relationship competencies, and overall expertise of school improvement. From program development to policy agendas, Matt is the person who can help you get the work done effectively and efficiently.
Robert M. Villanova, Director, LEAD Connecticut | Andrew Lachman, Executive Director, Connecticut Center for School Change | Richard Lemons, Deputy Director, Connecticut Center for School Change