Melinda George
Melinda George is Learning Forward’s chief policy officer, serving on the Learning Forward leadership team and overseeing Learning Forward’s policy and advocacy work. Melinda has been integral to developing strategy and facilitating networks as well as leading the Learning Forward fundraising team. Prior to joining Learning Forward, Melinda was the president of the National Commission on Teaching & America’s Future (NCTAF) where she led its charge to build a research-based framework of policies and practices that ensure every child has access to a competent, caring teacher in a school organized for success. From 2006-11, Melinda served as the senior director of Education Strategic Relations at PBS, where she developed national partnerships and oversaw the development of PBS TeacherLine, an online professional development service. Prior to PBS, Melinda was the first executive director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA). Melinda began her career as a 4th- and 5th-grade teacher in D.C. Public Schools.
All Articles
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Congress should learn a lot from principals about Title II-A
October is National Principals Month, and Learning Forward is thrilled to recognize how important principals are for students and communities. Research tells us that effective principals have a sizable impact on student achievement through instructional leadership, school climate, staff support, family engagement, and other pathways. Those improvements in achievement ultimately […] -
Title II-A is at a crossroads; it's time to get loud with support
I remember when my kids were little and they wanted my attention, they would get increasingly louder and more persuasive until they succeeded in drawing my attention away from whatever I thought should take precedence at that moment. Well, professional learning leaders, it’s time for us to get louder and […] -
Title II-A is in the line of fire in Biden's FY24 budget request
On March 9, President Biden unveiled his budget request for fiscal year 2024. The major disappointment is that the administration included no increase for Title II-A, the only federal program devoted exclusively to supporting professional learning activities. The administration’s budget signals that Title II-A is not a priority. This does […] -
Every educator can be an advocate. Here’s how.
For five years, Learning Forward has led the “Every Educator Is an Advocate” campaign to encourage all educators to use their voices and expertise to make an impact on policy at all levels of the education system. Advocacy is using an opportunity to share a story or compelling reasons that […] -
Virtual Advocacy Day: Skills, strategies, and motivation for making the case for professional learning
Every educator can, and should be, an advocate. Making your case, telling your story, and winning support has never been more critical. This important session includes advocacy strategies and tips that are applicable to any advocacy effort. Watch to hone your skills, build confidence, and get excited about being an […] -
Join us Sept. 14 for Virtual Advocacy Day supporting TitleIIA
Federal lawmakers need to hear from Learning Forward members and network partners to ensure that professional learning is a policy priority. They need to know that professional learning, and in particular Title IIA, deserves their full attention and support now more than ever. As educators and students struggle to recover […] -
Mentor support can ease the teacher retention crisis
When I was a new teacher, I spent my day asking questions — from how to use the copier to how to reach a struggling student and everything in between. It was sometimes exhausting. I felt like I was the only one in my building who didn’t know how things […] -
Make the connection for policymakers
When the revised Standards for Professional Learning were released this spring, I had an inspiring conversation with a lead appropriations staff person from the U.S. House of Representatives. We were discussing the graphic that depicts the standards and shows how all the standards work together to improve systems to support […] -
How Learning Forward’s new Standards for Professional Learning intersect with Federal education policy
In celebration of Learning Forward’s April 25th release of its revised Standards for Professional Learning, we are pleased to provide you with this special briefing that will focus on how these standards can and should strengthen federal education policy and investment around professional learning. You will hear from policymakers, researchers, […] -
Inspiration to lean into the important work of professional learning
“It is critical that every educator has access to high-quality professional learning opportunities and resources like those from Learning Forward.” – U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Learning Forward 2021 Annual Conference, December 7, 2021 The events of the last two years have been daunting. Everyone has had to dig […]
