Stephen Best Email & Phone Number

Rockford, Michigan, United States

I support educational leaders, districts, and organizations in implementing systems to support and strengthen the education they provide to children in K-12 schools and higher education. I do this through a combination of coaching leaders through the processes of change and continuous improvement.

Creation of a new framework, tools, and over 100 resources for systems implementation designed to lead to improved district processes and student outcomes. Engaged in literature reviews of over 600 reports, research articles, and books to develop our organizations new support framework. Provide coaching / technical assistance / professional learning support to statewide program and district leaders on issues of academic and student support systems, instructional innovations including project and competency-based education, online learning, and other programs for students and educators. Provided professional learning guidance and tools for all stakeholders.Developed and implemented a research and evaluation plan for Michigan’s Statewide Title-funded support program for schools, focusing on district implementation of academic, student support, and other systems. Created analysis tools for district use to guide systems implementation.Engaging in data analysis and literature reviews to improve district central office functions for districts, and to address district, building, and classroom level systems and components.

Lansing, Michigan, United States

Oversight of cross-office, major initiatives for the Michigan Department of Education, including Early Literacy, STEM Centers, Statewide Data Sharing, Blueprint for Success, and other initiatives.Coordination and development of components of Michigan’s Strategic Plan for Education, program research / evaluation, interoffice collaboration and documentation, and development of major cross-office budget proposals for the Governor and Legislature for major initiatives.Development and oversight of Cabinet and Deputy Superintendent meeting agendas and MDE governance procedures for executive leadership in the Michigan Department of Education. Initiated implementation science practices in leadership decision-making efforts to encourage a more systemic approach to policy development, performance management of offices and divisions, and collaboration with other state offices and organizations.Led problem solving efforts regarding pending legislation, state budget proposal development, and coordination among state agencies, Governor’s office, legislature, and client stakeholders.

Lansing, Michigan, United States

Oversight of program units for curriculum and instruction, educational technology, school improvement supports, and public school academies, including supervision of four managers and 50+ staff who implement all state policy and grant programs in these areas.Developed policy recommendations and funding proposals for several academic and system development efforts, including school supports for high priority schools, personalized learning options for students, multi-tiered systems of support, competency-based learning, and online learning, educator evaluation, professional learning, education plans for financially distressed districts, and standards and assessment adoption. Coordinated office alignment as well as MDE responses to federal legislation and proposed bills and state aid from Michigan’s legislature.Spokesperson and liaison with stakeholder groups on many policy programs, including over 200 conference and meeting keynote presentations to several educator and other audiences.Oversight of a range of funding programs of over $200M addressing school improvement / turnaround, educational technology, career and college readiness, curriculum and instruction, educational systems and innovation, STEM education initiatives, and educator training.

Developed policy, practices, and metrics for monitoring and oversight of Priority schools for the School Reform Office. Collaborated with multiple departments to plan Michigan’s Statewide System of Support (MI Excel) and provide training for personnel for Statewide Title I support. Developed policy strategies for Priority and Focus schools for Michigan’s ESEA Flexibility Request, including accountability systems for oversight and technical support programming.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Project Investigator/Director of several programs focusing on professional learning for teachers and educational reform efforts in K-12 education related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics) fields, technology use, and authentic, project-based learning. Administered all aspects of these efforts, including project design and documentation, research and evaluation, partnership development and communication, and professional development and learning design efforts. Developed funded grant proposals totaling over $8M. Represented several university academic programs, including and the School of Education in a variety of outreach programs and events, including conference presentations, research projects, student engagement events, and project development meetings. Taught several graduate courses through the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, and other institutions in instructional methods, assessment, technology integration, and curriculum development.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Managed and developed of a number of programs and resources focusing on professional learning for teachers and educational reform efforts in K-12 education related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Led professional learning and graduate courses focusing on issues of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.Coordinated program design, technology / curriculum focused research, and professional learning with a large multi-disciplinary team of faculty / graduate students to work with districts. Developed research presentations, proposals, and communications tools, among other items, for an interdisciplinary network of over 50 faculty, students, and staff.Projects included: Center for Learning Technologies in Urban Schools, Project Based Inquiry Science, Science in the City, Primary Sources Network

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Led and assisted in instruction in an intensive, interdisciplinary teacher education program. Worked with a faculty team to develop a year-long, integrated curriculum to address issues of teacher preparation, including educational psychology, curriculum development, technology-use, research methods, literacy strategies, assessment practices, pedagogical strategies and cognition, and historical and philosophical foundations of education. Primary coordinator and supervisor of intern teachers in a number of schools and disciplines. Academic advisor for students to complete certification and graduation requirements. Liaison to other university programs and units to coordinate cognate area coursework.

Mup, Ma, Education, Urban Planning

Included doctoral studies in educational policy, curriculum, and teacher education.

Education record