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Tara Eckberg
Director, Talent Acquisition at TNTP
Professional Background
Tara Eckberg is a highly accomplished professional in the field of talent acquisition and international educational development, whose career reflects a steadfast commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and strengthening organizational capacities. Currently, she serves as the Director of Talent Acquisition at TNTP (The New Teacher Project), where she plays a pivotal role in sourcing and recruiting top talent for various educational initiatives aimed at transforming teaching and leadership in schools across the United States.
Before her promotion to this strategic leadership role, Tara held multiple positions at TNTP, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel in diverse challenges. As the Senior Talent Acquisition Manager, she developed innovative recruitment strategies and led her team to achieve significant improvements in hiring processes and candidate experience. Her experience as Staffing Operations Manager further solidified her expertise in human capital management, where she was instrumental in optimizing staffing operations to align with the organization’s mission of empowering teachers and supporting educational equity.
Tara’s journey in the field of education began when she became a Program Associate for AmeriCorps at TNTP, where she contributed to designing and implementing programs that foster civic engagement and community service among educators and students. This position not only laid the foundation for her career in talent acquisition but also ignited her passion for driving systemic change in education.
Education and Achievements
Tara Eckberg holds an impressive educational background, with a Master’s degree in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University. This rigorous program equipped her with the theoretical knowledge and practical insights necessary for addressing the multifaceted challenges in education on a global scale. Her studies emphasized the importance of effective educational systems and policies in promoting social development, which aligns perfectly with her professional endeavors at TNTP.
Prior to her Master’s, Tara earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hamilton College. Her undergraduate studies provided her with a solid foundation in analytical thinking and research, essential skills that she continues to apply in her professional life. The combination of her academic credentials fosters a unique perspective on the historical contexts that shape contemporary educational practices.
Tara's commitment to personal and professional growth has also been reflected in her involvement with various endeavors outside of her primary roles. During her impactful internship with the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation at the United Nations Development Programme, she gained invaluable insights into international collaboration and development strategies that have informed her approach to talent acquisition in the education sector. Her work with organizations such as AmeriCorps has further cemented her dedication to service and community engagement.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Tara Eckberg has consistently made significant contributions to the organizations she has been part of. Her leadership at TNTP has been characterized by her forward-thinking approach to talent acquisition, enabling the organization to build a robust pipeline of exceptional educators who are committed to improving student outcomes in underserved communities.
Tara's success in fostering collaboration among different departments within TNTP has led to streamlined processes and improved recruitment efforts, ultimately enhancing the organization's mission of creating equitable access to quality education. Her ability to leverage data and analytics in recruitment and human resources has placed TNTP at the forefront of innovative hiring practices in the educational sector.
Her affiliation as a Hamilton Fellow at George Watson’s College exemplifies her continuous dedication to professional development and her commitment to lifelong learning. This fellowship allowed her to connect with a diverse network of educators and leaders, further enriching her understanding of educational practices from a global perspective.
In all her endeavors, Tara has demonstrated remarkable skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and communication, inspiring her colleagues and learners alike. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and creating fair work environments showcases her deep understanding of the invaluable role that talent plays in driving educational success and societal progress.