Kimberly Ellis

Through two non-profits simultaneously, I work to advance education justice. In my capacity with Communities for Just Schools Fund, a national donor collaborative, I engage in federal advocacy, technical assistance for both our partners and school districts, and facilitation of learning sessions to explore what holistically safe schools look like. Ultimately, we bring together the resources of philanthropy with the power of grassroots organizing to ensure that all schools welcome students and nurture their full potential. Through Teaching for Change, I primarily work with–and for–teachers committed to social-justice teaching. I help convene learning communities and events that provide necessary tools to create schools where students learn to read, write, and change the world. My Peabody experience provided the time, resources, and connections to help me identify the impact I desire to have in the education field, as well as the conditions necessary to create just, affirming, and thriving school communities. The technical training specific to the MPP program provided tangible skills I use daily.

Vanderbilt presented a unique experience in that its MPP program provided an opportunity to train in policy development, analysis, and program evaluation while maintaining a clear focus on education. No other program I considered kept education policy at the center of policy studies. Because the MPP program resides in Peabody, a college of education and human development, I was able to easily engage in additional coursework that broadened and ultimately now informs my conception of true education justice.