The U.S. Department of Education has announced the appointment of Dr. Amber Northern as a senior advisor to the Secretary, with a focus on reforming the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Dr. Northern will collaborate with Dr. Matthew Soldner, Acting Director at IES, alongside Institute staff and external experts and stakeholders, to ensure that IES delivers high-quality research, relevant data, and proven best practices for researchers, educators, and education leaders.
The department highlighted that IES has not provided a clear research agenda centered on students. It noted that research contracts often prioritized politically charged topics over classroom best practices during a time when American students faced significant learning loss following the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Northern is tasked with leading efforts to re-envision IES's mission “to provide national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of education from early childhood through postsecondary study.”
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “As we return education to the states, it’s essential that educators have access to accurate data to inform their work and develop best practices. Dr. Northern’s deep expertise in education statistics and years of experience in the classroom will be an asset as we re-envision the work of IES.” She added that their goal is to provide educators with reliable resources that improve student outcomes.
Dr. Amber Northern expressed her enthusiasm for her new role by saying, “It is such an honor to be asked to examine IES with fresh eyes and consider how it might be more responsive to the students, parents, and educators that it serves.” She emphasized her eagerness to work with the education community on this initiative.
Dr. Northern is currently on leave from her position as Senior Vice President for Research at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute where she managed its research portfolio and staff. She holds a Ph.D. in education policy and evaluation from the University of Virginia and has served in advisory roles for various educational entities.
