EdResearch Advisory Board
Elevating the voices of educators to transform how research serves schools
At EdResearch for Action, we believe research can only improve practice when it’s grounded in the realities of schools. That’s why educators play a central role in creating our briefs.
In partnership with Transcend, we convene an Advisory Board of school and system leaders from across the country who collaborate directly with researchers to shape the questions we ask, the language we use, and the guidance we share.
By centering the experiences of those leading schools—what’s feasible, relevant, and most needed—we ensure research becomes a practical tool for decision-making, not just another report on a shelf. This participatory approach bridges the gap between research and practice, empowering education leaders to apply evidence with confidence and drive better outcomes for every learner.
“Throughout the process, I was impressed both by how seriously and thoughtfully the researchers considered our input and how knowledgeable they were about what evidence was already out there that we didn’t know about. I feel like shaping the briefs with our input was happening all of the time.”
Jill Gurtner, Retired Principal from Clark Street Community School of Middleton Cross Plains Area School District in Wisconsin
“Serving on the board has been both purposeful and valuable to me professionally. Contributing to how research is shared with practitioners allows me to make a meaningful impact on our field. As the superintendent of a district facing economic challenges and working to improve student achievement metrics, I’m eager to implement these research briefs directly in our schools.”
Carol Kelley, Superintendent of Salem City School District in New Jersey
Executive Committee
2025-26 Board Members
Shanna Ricketts
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Executive Director of Research, Evaluation, and Analytics
Affiliates
Maxwell Akuamoah-Boateng
Community Schools in the Mayor’s Office of Education in Philadelphia
Director of Operations
Program Partners
Christina Claiborne
Annenberg Institute at Brown University
Research Project Director, EdResearch for Action
Isabel Fitzpatrick
Annenberg Institute at Brown University
Research Project Manager – Exchange Networks and Engagement
Nathaniel Schwartz
Annenberg Institute at Brown University
Director of Applied Research and Professor of the Practice
The Board’s Impact
“Being part of the EdResearch for Action advisory board didn’t just deepen my understanding of the research; It inspired me to take the next step in my own learning journey. I’m actually starting my doctorate this summer because of it!”
Shannon Garfield, CEO of Special Education Leader Fellowship (SELF)
“The advisory board has reignited my commitment and passion for research. I think within the current state of education, we need research more than ever. “
Reyna Sotelo, Partner at TNTP
JOIN US
Are you a school, district, or state leader passionate about shaping the future of education research and practice? Join our Practitioner Advisory Board and lend your insights to the creation of actionable, impactful EdResearch for Action briefs.
Applications for the 2025-26 cohort are now closed. Please check back around May 2026 to apply for the next cohort.
For any questions, please email isabel_fitzpatrick@brown.edu