Annie Jenkin LaVanway, PhD

Educational equity is at the forefront of my teaching and research. As a former public school teacher and long-time college access program employee, advocating for opportunity and access is at the heart of my work. I approach research from a critical sociocultural lens to examine the divides between education policy and practice in K-12 settings. My current research is focused on equity and accessibility on gifted education practices in Minnesota via a mixed methods critical case study. Other works include examining whiteness in public schooling, teacher demographics and representations, as well as policy analyses of state and federal level legislation. I have developed as a researcher by working at Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement and the Office of Teacher Education during my time at the University of Minnesota. I have also worked within the OLPD department as an instructor teaching School & Society, Professions & Practice, and Applied Experience. These opportunities have given me the opportunity to grow as a researcher and as an educator.