Jeff is primarily responsible for developing and implementing a legislative strategy around EdTrust-TN policy priorities. He is the senior expert for state government affairs and primary point of contact for legislators, policy-makers and other legislative advocates.
Prior to joining The Education Trust, Jeff worked at the Tennessee Disability Coalition as the Director of Public Policy, responsible for legislative strategy, policy research, coalition building and lobbying. Before working at TDC, Jeff was a special education teacher in Minneapolis, primarily working with students with behavioral disabilities.
A native of Minneapolis, Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Minnesota, a Masters degree in Special Education from Augsburg College and a Masters degree in Community Development and Action from Vanderbilt University. He currently lives in Goodlettsville with his wife, daughter and dog.
Favorite Sports Team
I like to torture myself through my undying fandom and devotion to Minnesota sports teams, primarily the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers
What are people most surprised to learn about you?
I have been to 49 states (coming soon to an Alaska near you!)
What drew you to education?
As a child of two teachers, I grew up with the h3 belief that education can be and is often life changing for students, especially when a teacher works hard to meet them where they are and offer them what they need. I don’t know if there is a much more impactful way to give to a community than to provide a child with a good education.
Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?
I left the classroom because I wanted to help reform an education system so that it could best meet the needs of more students, no matter who they are, how they learn or where they came from. EdTrust-Tennesseeworks so perfectly at the nexus of grassroots and policy change, and that’s where I believe reform is most effective and most equitable.
