Effective Educators

Evidence is clear that teachers and principals are the main in-school driver of student success. Yet, young people of color and those from underserved communities often have inexperienced, unqualified, or ineffective educators. To ensure historically marginalized students have top-notch and diverse educators, the Foundation invests in research, policy development, advocacy, and technical assistance to: 1) use data to better align educator supply and demand; 2) diversify the educator pipeline; 3) build strong pathways from high school into teaching; and 4) spread innovative school staffing models that attract educators, boost retention, and improve student outcomes. Our investments focus on Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and national efforts.

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In Remembrance of Melissa Hortman: Transformational Policy Leader

In mourning the tragic loss of Rep. Melissa Hortman, we honor her leadership on climate and gun violence prevention work. A longtime partner of Joyce and our grantees, she championed evidence-based policy to advance equity and safety for all Minnesotans.

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Progress & Promise: Chicago’s Post-Pandemic Educational Achievements

According to recent data, CPS elementary school students are recovering faster than many districts in the country in reading and math. Joyce hosted an event with civic, business, philanthropic, non-profit and policy leaders to discuss the research.

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The Dual Enrollment Fund: Catalyzing the Next Chapter of Dual Enrollment Research

A new Dual Enrollment Research Fund launched to usher in a new wave of scholarship focused on equitable dual enrollment policies and practices.

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Joyce Statement in Response to SCOTUS Affirmative Action Decision

The Supreme Court’s ruling could unravel the years of progress towards diversifying college campuses. The decisions will hinder colleges/universities from considering race in admission decisions, reversing decades of legal precedent.

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Aspen Prize guides giving to community colleges

The rigorous Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is being credited with guiding philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in her recent barrage of giving to higher education institutions.