About the Lab
The Superintendent Lab is the central hub for data, research,
insights, and innovation on the school district superintendency.
Pillars guiding the work of the Superintendent Lab
Revealing
The Superintendent Lab aims to lift the veil on the superintendency through the development of rigorous and robust datasets. We are the home of The National Longitudinal Superintendent Database–a comprehensive database, updated on an annual basis, of over 12,500 superintendents across the United States, allowing us to explore issues related to superintendent labor markets over time and space.
We seek out collaborative partnerships with researchers and affiliates that are interested in data-driven dialogue to advance policies and practices that contribute to more equitable public school systems.
Humanizing
Behind all of the data that we collect and analyze are human beings. We aim to conduct research that is authentic and respectful of superintendents and the work they do. We embrace the power of big data and case studies—numbers as well as narratives.
While incorporating innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and web scraping, we recognize the importance of human interactions and strive to engage with the data with attentiveness to the personal and professional lives behind each data point.
Training
The Superintendent Lab strives to provide students at all levels with meaningful and rigorous research experiences through the development and improvement of big datasets and opportunities to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data.
We aim to foster collaborative dialogue among policy- and leadership-passionate undergraduate and graduate students and researchers to identify levers for change to create more inclusive, equitable public K-12 education systems.
Meet the team
Dr. Rachel S. White
Dr. White is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Her research centers around 1) issues of power, voice, diversity, and inclusion in education policy making and implementation processes, and 2) examining structures and policies that contribute to or counteract equitable and socially just K-12 education.
Dr. White is a former local school board member/vice president and volunteer assistant high school cross country and track & field coach. She also previously served as a policy analyst for the Michigan Association for School Administrators and as the Associate Director of Policy and Advocacy for The Ohio College Access Network.
In her free time, Dr. White enjoys hot yoga, hiking, playing basketball, running, traveling, reading young adult novels, and following her favorite college sports teams.
Read more about Dr. White’s research, as well as her public outreach and speaking/workshop engagements here.
Johnathon Jerman
Senior Research Assistant
Patrick Angelaccio
Research Assistant
Patrick Angelaccio is a master’s student at the University of Tennessee, having graduated in 2023 with his Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work. He is interested in the political and socioeconomic ramifications of superintendent leadership on student success and is passionate about analyzing data on how these ramifications vary by community demographics. Patrick is a member of the 2023 class of University of Tennessee Torchbearers, and currently serves as a graduate teaching assistant for the University Honors program.
Emily Bengyak
Research Assistant
Madeline Bell
Research Assistant
Maddie Bell is in her second year at the University of Tennessee double majoring in Journalism and Electronic Media & Political Science in the Haslam Leadership Scholars program at the University of Tennessee. She is interested in gender gaps in the superintendency. Maddie is involved in many campus organizations including Omega Phi Alpha sorority, and Tyson House Student Foundation. Maddie is the Undergraduate Senate Representative for the College of Communication and Information, as well as a University Honors Ambassador. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar and spending time with her friends and family.
Tristan Brown
Research Assistant
Tristan Brown is a third-year at the University of Tennessee majoring in History and minoring in Italian. Her main research interests lie in educational policy and social hierarchy. She is primarily interested in educational theory and policy at the kindergarten through fifth grade level, with an emphasis on development and standardized testing. When free, she enjoys participating in many campus activities, spending time with her friends and family, and reading.
Lauren Eckley
Research Assistant
Sarah Harper
Research Assistant
Sarah Harper is a research assistant at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. She studies political science and public administration with a minor in public policy analytics. This fall, she is beginning her MPPA through the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Coming from a family of educators, Sarah had a lifelong interest in education before joining the team. In addition to her work on this team, she is writing a thesis on the effects of state policies establishing free Advanced Placement programs across the Southeast. Outside of research, Sarah volunteers at her former high school, rides horses, and works on her family’s farm.
LAB AFFILIATES
Dr. Wilfred Cwikiel
Research Affiliate - Superintendent
Wilfred Cwikiel, Ed. D., is the superintendent-principal of Beaver Island Community School, one of the most remote rural school districts in the contiguous United States. He has served public schools as a middle school principal, teacher, elected school board member, and mentor for aspiring and new superintendents. Before his career in education, he worked in natural resources management, planning, and policy in the non-profit and governmental sectors. Wil serves on statewide advisory committees and boards of non-profit organizations. He received the Kellogg National Fellowship, where he explored citizen engagement and leadership. Cwikiel’s research interests include rural school leadership, superintendent retention, and equity and inclusion in rural spaces.
Ahmoni Jones
Research Affiliate - Aspiring Superintendent
Ahmoni is in his fifth year at Wabash College with a double major in Financial Mathematics and Psychology and a double minor in Education and Black Studies. He is a member of the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies, a member of the Wabash Basketball Team, and the President of Best Buddies. Ahmoni is pursuing a Masters and PhD in hopes to become a superintendent. He believes that our education system should provide a diverse and equitable experience for everyone, with a particular focus towards stigmatized groups. For fun, Ahmoni enjoys hanging with his girlfriend, family/friends, and listening to music.
Heather Huzefka
Research Affiliate - Former Central Office Administrator
Heather is a PhD candidate at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Heather’s extensive career in public education includes years as a middle school teacher, elementary principal, and HR director. Her vast experience as a district-level administrator served as the foundation for Heather’s interest in learning more about the impact of superintendent turnover on district-level leaders and has become the topic for her dissertation. In addition to her research, Heather is involved in developing Civic Saturday events for her community; a growing program developed with the belief that we all have the ability to make positive changes in our communities. In her free time, Heather enjoys getting to the Oregon coast where every day is enjoyable no matter the weather. She claims any day walking on the beach is a good day!
ORGANIZATIONAL & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS & Collaborators
THANK YOU FOR THE GENEROUS SUPPORT TO CARRY OUT VARIOUS RESEARCH PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT LAB
