ExcelinEd is pleased to introduce our second cohort of EdPolicy Residents, who this week begin our premier professional growth program established for those aspiring to impact students’ lives through effective public policy.
Launched in November 2023, the two-year program equips residents with the essential skills, public policy expertise, advocacy acumen, networking and mentorship opportunities, and dedicated career support needed for a thriving career as an education policy leader.
Over the course of the program, residents are fully immersed in a broad set of student-centered policies that comprise ExcelinEd’s mission. Upon completion of the program, residents are ready to serve as catalysts for innovation and change in pivotal advisory roles at the highest levels of state government, including executive offices, state legislatures and education agencies.
Catherine Johnson’s career has focused on teaching and crafting education policy at the state level. Catherine most recently served as Deputy Director of Academic Policy at the Tennessee State Board of Education where she led the review process for Tennessee’s academic standards. Prior to joining the state board, Catherine taught eighth-grade history in both traditional public and charter schools in Nashville where she currently lives.
Catherine earned a master’s degree in Educational Theory & Policy and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from Pennsylvania State University.
If Catherine could change one thing in education, she would ensure all students have access to a high-quality education regardless of their race, income or parent’s education level. Her views on education policy have been most influenced by the book Five Miles Away, A World Apart.
Catherine’s dream job after the residency is to serve as a chief of staff for a state commissioner of education.
Jean Morrow has focused her career on education policy and working for nonprofits that advance opportunity, most recently working as Senior Advisor for Invest in Education. Previously, she served as the Manager of Public Affairs and Policy at the Pennsylvania Coalition for Public Charter Schools, as a Visiting Fellow at Independent Women’s Forum and as STEM Lead and Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education. Prior to that, Jean worked for the Heritage Foundation and Institute for Justice.
Jean earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science with a focus on education from the University of Florida. She currently lives in southwest Florida.
If Jean could change one thing in education, she would create more educational freedom and choice for students and parents. Her views on education policy have been most influenced by her family, community and work experiences and by economist Milton Friedman.
Jean’s dream job after the residency is to advocate for educational opportunity for all in an education policy leadership role in a governor’s office, state education agency or state legislative committee.
Rachel Patrick is focusing her career on education and policy, having recently completed her PhD and a Graduate Fellowship with the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) in Tennessee. Prior to her fellowship, Rachel launched a preschool art program and taught elementary school language arts. She began her career as a graphic designer.
Rachel holds a master’s degree in elementary education from Vanderbilt University and earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University. Rachel lives with her three daughters in Nashville.
If Rachel could change one thing about education, she would create alignment between students’ needs, our education system and the ever-changing workforce. Rachel’s views on education policy have been most influenced by former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen’s work and bipartisan approach to education and public policy.
Rachel’s dream job after the residency is to be a trusted education policy advisor to state leaders.
Stay tuned for updates on the work of our residents as they immerse in education policy and forge a brighter future for students across the nation.
