Category Archives: BLOG

Improvement Science as a Powerful Tool for Improving Classroom Instruction

The projects—which had high levels of participation and benefited from the support of a developmental evaluator—demonstrated that NICs are a viable approach to instructional improvement. The Better Math Teaching Network (BMTN) used student-centered instruction to support deep engagement with high school math content, while the Student-Centered Assessment Network (SCAN) engaged high school teachers and students in formative assessment.

Black History is American History: Why We Must Continue to Teach the Truth

As a Taiwanese immigrant and parent of a bi-racial child, I believe it is important for every young person to have options in their learning. When I was growing up, I loved reading and pored over books. It was an escape for me into faraway lands both real and fantastical; books opened my world in understanding different concepts, cultures, and ideas.

The Wisdom in Transitions: A Time of Reflection in Gratitude

After four years at the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, and a tenure that includes serving as Vice President of Strategy and Programs and Interim President and CEO, the time has come for me to put a period at the end of this chapter.

A Message from Dr. Gislaine N. Ngounou, Interim President and CEO, Nellie Mae Education Foundation

Gratitude, commitment, resilience, power, youth, rest, love, and joy; are all words that resonate deeply as we get ready to wrap up the year. In 2022, we were inspired by the unwavering commitment our partners model in the work towards justice and liberation.

Centering Racial Equity in Schools at the Ballot Box

As we get closer to this year’s midterm elections, I’m reminded of the lingering impact all elections have — especially for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian American communities.

Nellie Mae Staff Updates

As Nellie Mae continues to learn and grow in our work, we are fortunate to see our staff expand with the addition of knowledgeable, experienced new team members.

The Fights Are Here: Reckoning with Roe is Reckoning with All

Posted by Caroline Rodriguez   Written by Dr. Gislaine N. Ngounou, Interim President and CEO, Nellie Mae Education Foundation   Funders, the fights are here, and people have been fighting all along. “If you are silent about your pain, they will kill you and say you enjoyed it.” In her book Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora…

An End of Year Reflection from Nellie Mae Interim President & CEO, Dr. Gislaine N. Ngounou

Posted by Nellie Mae Ed. Fdn. Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages   When our organization sat down to write an end-of-year reflection in December of 2020, I felt a flicker of light and hope to shine in the distance. After one of the most challenging years for many of us, 2021 promised a light:…

Open Letter: Teach Us Everything

Posted by Julita Bailey-Vasco   Here at Nellie Mae, we are committed to equitable public education and teaching the truth, and those values are under attack from special interests who do not actually care about our students. We are taking a stand in support of education alongside our partners in this week’s Sunday edition of…

When White Tears Are Held in Higher Regard Than Black Life

When White Tears Are Held in Higher Regard Than Black Life By Dr. Gislaine N. Ngounou, Interim President and CEO, Nellie Mae Education Foundation   These past couple of weeks have shown us all too well, again, how white tears are held in higher regard than Black life. White tears, as Kyle Rittenhouse cried as…