Meagan is a senior research director with expertise in instructional coaching, educator effectiveness, and practical strategies for improving student learning in early and elementary education. She contributes to NORC’s Education & Child Development department by supporting research and technical assistance projects that help educators apply evidence-based practices in the classroom. Her work focuses on strengthening instructional quality and student engagement through coaching, professional development, and locally informed evaluation. Meagan brings more than two decades of experience as a classroom teacher, consultant, and facilitator, with a strong emphasis on translating research into actionable guidance for schools.

Her recent contributions include leading training and coaching efforts for the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Pacific, where she worked with educators and school system leaders across the U.S.-affiliated Pacific region. Meagan’s work supports the use of data and research to inform instructional decisions, improve early learning outcomes, and build educator capacity. She has authored practitioner-focused resources and contributed to federal blogs on topics such as virtual coaching and promoting positive student behavior at home.

Before joining NORC, Meagan served as a consulting director at McREL International, where she led professional learning initiatives and supported school improvement efforts. Her work emphasized practical, results-oriented strategies for improving systemic change efforts focused on helping all students succeed, particularly in small and rural school systems. Meagan’s experience in both teaching and research allows her to bridge the gap between policy and practice, supporting education leaders in making informed decisions that benefit students and communities.