Through our partnerships with urban school districts, we have observed that a complex web of well-intentioned policies and procedures prevents schools from securing the best possible teachers. Through our policy research projects, we translate lessons learned on the front lines of school districts nationwide into cutting-edge research and policy analysis. With a uniquely non-partisan approach, we synthesize data, share it with stakeholders from all sides, make the case for common-sense reforms, and coordinate with districts and their partners to implement more effective policies that address the needs of teachers, schools and students.

Already, we have seen the impact of our research on teacher hiring in places like California, where our Unintended Consequences report inspired the passage of bipartisan legislation that improved the ability of schools statewide - especially those serving high poverty families - to hire the best teachers. Likewise, our data played an important role in New York City's success instituting important reforms to teacher transfer and excess rules in collaboration with the United Federation of Teachers - reforms that have been embraced by teachers, who have ratified the new rules in two successive contracts, by increasing margins. The New York Daily News has called the end of forced teacher placement "one of the most important reforms ever won in municipal labor negotiations."

Inspired by our achievements, we continue to identify systemic problems, build awareness of their repercussions, suggest realistic solutions, and push for change.