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Leni Wolf
Associate Director of P-16 Research at The Education Trust-West
Professional Background
Leni Wolf is a dedicated education policy professional with an extensive background in research, data analysis, and teaching. Currently serving as the Associate Director of P-16 Research at The Education Trust-West, Leni has developed a robust expertise in education policy, with a focus on improving educational outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds. Her trajectory through various positions within The Education Trust-West, from a Data and Policy Analyst to Senior Research and Policy Analyst, illustrates her commitment to leveraging data to inform policy decisions and drive meaningful change in the education sector.
Before her time at The Education Trust-West, Leni honed her analytical skills and policy expertise at the Value-Added Research Center and the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, where she collaborated on research projects that influenced educational strategies within the state of Wisconsin. Her role as an Education Specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction further equipped her with valuable insights into state-level education systems and the intricacies involved in policy implementation.
Education and Achievements
Leni’s educational journey reflects her passion for public affairs and education. She earned her Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Public Policy and Education Policy from the prestigious La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This foundational education not only enhanced her understanding of public policy frameworks but also provided her with practical skills necessary for impact in the education realm.
Her academic background also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Hispanic Studies from Connecticut College, where she developed strong analytical and research capabilities. Additionally, Leni obtained a Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education from Rio Salado College, demonstrating her commitment to education at multiple levels and ensuring that she possesses firsthand teaching experience. Moreover, her international perspective was enriched through a Study Abroad program focused on Culture, Development, and Social Justice at the School for International Training, where she explored the global context of education.
Notable Achievements
Leni Wolf's career is marked by several notable achievements and contributions to the field of education policy. In her current role at The Education Trust-West, she leads initiatives aimed at enhancing educational equity and access for all students. She has authored reports and policy briefs that address critical issues such as resource allocation, curriculum development, and effective pedagogical strategies, driving discourse around the importance of equity in education.
Her foundational teaching experiences with organizations such as Teach For America and Hiawatha Academies have imbued her with a deep understanding of the classroom environment and the challenges faced by educators and students alike. By working directly with learners in diverse settings, Leni has gained invaluable insights that inform her research and policy recommendations.
As a former Selector for TNTP Teaching Fellows, she played an instrumental role in identifying and nurturing future educators who are committed to teaching in underserved communities. Her ongoing work and influence within educational circles continue to shape policy discussions and inspire new approaches to learning and teaching across the United States.