Matthew Soldner

Acting Director, Institute of Education Sciences and Commissioner, National Center for Education Evaluation at U.S. Department of Education

Dr. Matthew Soldner currently serves as the Acting Director of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) at the U.S. Department of Education, a role he assumed in March 2024 following the end of Mark Schneider's term. He has been the Commissioner of the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE) since 2018, where he also fulfills the responsibilities of the Department of Education's Chief Evaluation Officer.1 4

Background and Education

Dr. Soldner holds a PhD from the University of Maryland's College of Education. His expertise lies in utilizing rigorous evidence to enhance education policy and evaluating initiatives aimed at improving postsecondary outcomes for students.1 3

Responsibilities and Contributions

As Acting Director, Soldner oversees IES, which is dedicated to providing scientific evidence to inform education practices and policies. Under his leadership, IES continues to focus on rigorous evaluations and research that support educational improvement across various levels.2 5 He has emphasized collaboration with organizations like the National Science Foundation to enhance STEM education initiatives, reflecting a commitment to improving educational outcomes through data-driven approaches.5

Professional Focus

Dr. Soldner's work involves managing an annual portfolio of approximately $140 million dedicated to evaluation and technical assistance in education.6 His leadership aims to foster an evidence-based education system that benefits educators, policymakers, and students alike.

For further insights into his professional journey, Dr. Soldner maintains a LinkedIn profile under the username matthew-soldner-1b13056b.6 7