Jill Pierce
Senior Research Associate
Pronouns: She/Her
Degrees
- Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning: New York University
- M.A. in Teaching of English: Columbia University
- B.A. in Comparative Literature: Brown University
About Jill Pierce
Dr. Jill C. Pierce is currently co-leading work on a mixed-methods study of an arts integration initiative for Philadelphia middle schools. A qualitative researcher, Pierce has brought deep content and methodological knowledge to her work at RFA, including studies of several federally-funded projects related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment; an evaluation of efforts to diversify and develop the educator workforce; a feasibility study of a potential national certification for early childhood educators; and a study of cost structures and quality in summer youth employment programming. Pierce also contributes to RFA’s current work on two out-of-school-time studies and research on educator diversity, school innovation, and PreK curriculum.
Pierce has extensive experience in education—including as an environmental educator, high school teacher, college counselor, teaching coach, and adjunct faculty member. She has conducted qualitative research for a decade and has taught qualitative methods coursework to doctoral students. Pierce’s research interests include understanding how people define and work toward educational equity and how school-level community members respond to educational initiatives.
