Michelle Croft is an associate partner with Bellwether in the Policy and Evaluation practice area. Prior to joining Bellwether in September 2021, Michelle worked as a research and data analyst for the Iowa City Community School District where she designed research and evaluation studies to improve district programs.

Previously, Michelle worked at ACT as a principal policy research associate where her work was primarily focused on K-12 assessment and accountability. She also collaborated on surveys of college-bound students on general education issues such as access to mental health services at school.

Before that, she worked within the standards, assessment, and accountability division at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education in Washington, D.C. Michelle also has experience as a research analyst at the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution and as a law clerk at the Superior Court of New Jersey.

Michelle holds a doctorate in educational measurement and statistics, a J.D. from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in political science from Stony Brook University, and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.

Why I do this work:

As a first-generation college student, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of education. My parents encouraged me to attend college so that I’d have more choices and opportunities than they had. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the supports that I did. I believe access to a high-quality K-12 education is key to providing all students with more options when they graduate high school.

Experience at Bellwether:

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis; Data Collection and Analysis; Policy Research and Analysis; Research