Tara joins Education First after two decades working in leadership roles across the education sector. An expert in curriculum and instruction, professional learning, and assessment strategy, she supports partners to create coherent instructional systems that dismantle structural inequities and accelerate success for all students, especially historically underserved communities. Tara has seen firsthand that high-quality and inclusive education can open doors of opportunity, as it did for her parents, first-generation college graduates who became public school teachers.
Tara began her career in the classroom, and that experience has informed her work in later roles as an instructional coach, leadership coach and nonprofit executive. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of Pre-AP Programs at College Board, where her team led the design and implementation of professional learning products and strategy that supported more than 2 million students across the country. Previously, Tara worked at The Achievement Network (ANet) in several roles, creating its network learning model and helping launch the company’s first expansion outside of Massachusetts. She was also a teacher leader in Texas in both Houston ISD and YES Prep Charter Schools.
Tara earned a master’s degree in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she was awarded the Urban Scholars Fellowship. She also earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from the University of Florida. Tara resides in Brooklyn, where she enjoys spending time with family and friends, chasing around her toddler, and exploring the city’s restaurants, museums and parks.
