Advisory Board
Embedding interest-holders’ voices into our research process is a guiding principle of the institute, and one of the ways we do this is through our Advisory Board. Our board is composed of education leaders from around the country who provide guidance and deep subject matter expertise on pressing issues in the field, collaborating with us to inform the strategy and activities of the institute.
Pennsylvania Principals Association
Greater Pittsburgh Region, PA
Michael Allison retired after a 26 year tenure as the proud principal of Hopewell High School. Prior to the principalship he served nine years teaching science at South Side Middle School. Michael served as an active board member and leader of the Pennsylvania Principals Association, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL), and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). He also served two terms as President of the Pennsylvania Principal Association and was the 2015-16 President of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Although he recently retired from the public school, he is continuing to be actively involved in serving principals and teachers in western Pennsylvania. He currently works as a Regional Service Specialist advocating for and supporting school leaders for the Pennsylvania Principals Association and as a Student Teaching Intern Supervisor for Point Park University.
School Counselor
Lawrence County School District
Byram, MS
Dr. Ebonee Magee-Dorsey is a dedicated and experienced school counselor with a passion for supporting the social, emotional, and academic success of all students. With over a decade of experience across various educational levels, she is recognized for her leadership and advocacy in the school counseling profession. She is committed to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive environments that empower students to reach their full potential.
Education Commission of the States
Denver, CO
As a Policy Director Education Commission of the States, Tiffany assists state policymakers to craft and implement policies related to the teacher workforce and academics. She brings experience working to improve teaching and learning at the Tennessee Department of Education and as an advisor to education leaders while at TNTP to her current role. Tiffany began her career as a fifth grade teacher and is passionate about ensuring all students have access to an excellent education.
Director
Multilingual Support Division
California Department of Education
Clovis, CA
Alesha Moreno-Ramírez, MA is a spirited educator with a passion for service to students, families, and communities. As the Director of the Multilingual Support Division with the California Department of Education since 2021, Alesha brings a voice of advocacy, action, and support to advance California’s English Learner Roadmap policy. She believes in promoting multilingual learning opportunities for children and youth across the state and highlighting the affordances of culturally and linguistically diverse students. Alesha’s portfolio includes administration of Title III, Part A, Title I, Part C educational programs, and state multilingual initiatives to uplift educational opportunities for English learner-classified, immigrant, and migratory students.
InterMountain Education Service District
Pendleton, OR
Dr. Mark Mulvihill is completing his 37th year in education as the InterMountain ESD superintendent. A former teacher and principal, Dr. Mulvihill is currently one of the longest serving superintendents in the state. Dr. Mulvihill has served on several state boards and commissions, in which he is known as a strong advocate for public education.
Director of Research
Council of the Great City Schools
Washington, D.C.
Dr. Akisha Osei Sarfo is the Director of Research at the Council of the Great City Schools, where she oversees the Council’s research initiatives. In this role, she facilitates collaboration among district research leaders while leading the development of innovative research, resources, and data tools for member districts. A recognized expert in program evaluation, experimental and quasi-experimental research design, educational equity, teacher quality, and school accountability, Dr. Sarfo provides critical guidance and support for research and data use within Council districts. Prior to her current role, Dr. Sarfo served as Chief Performance Officer for Guilford County Schools, where she led the district's Accountability, Research, and Planning division, earning Harvard University’s Excellence in Education Data award. Her professional experience also includes roles at Bellwether Education Partners, the University of Delaware, and other state, federal and non-profit organizations. Dr. Sarfo holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Delaware, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing education policy and practice.
Puyallup School District
Dr. Ramirez is a full time school psychologist in the state of Washington and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology and School Psychology. She holds a Doctoral degree in School Psychology from the University of Oregon. She also earned a Master's degree in Applied Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from CSU, Chico. Her experience spans eight years in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Northeast Regional School Nurse Consultant
Haverhill Public Schools
Haverhill, MA
Dr. Toulouse has been a practicing Registered Nurse (RN) since 1995 and is a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) licensed School Nurse. She holds a National Certification in School Nursing from the National Board for the Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). Shanyn currently serves as the Northeast Regional School Nurse Consultant, providing support, training, technical assistance, and consultation for school districts in Northeast Massachusetts. Shanyn currently serves on the Executive Board of the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (MSNO) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) Board of Directors
Baltimore City Schools
Baltimore, MD
James Thurman has over eight years of experience in educational leadership roles and is currently a resident principal at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School for Baltimore City Public Schools. He previously served as a Literacy Coordinator for Instructional Coaching for Baltimore City Public Schools where he oversaw the district’s literacy coaching plan for high schools. James began his career in education at Chicago Public Schools as an ELA Instructor and teacher
Chief of Staff
Office of the Director, Oregon Department of Education
Salem, OR
As Chief of Staff for the State of Oregon, Tenneal serves as a key advisor and strategic partner to the Director, ensuring the effective implementation of policies and initiatives aligned with the agency's mission. Tenneal oversees high-priority projects, coordinates cross-departmental collaboration, and facilitates communication between partners to drive organizational goals and support equitable outcomes for all Oregonians.