Professional Biography

Rand Quinn is a political sociologist who studies the origins and consequences of education organizing and activism, the politics of race and class in urban school reform, and the impact of private and voluntary sector engagement in public education. He is the author of Class Action: Desegregation and Diversity in San Francisco Schools (University of Minnesota Press, 2020). His most recent published work explores access and mobilization of school-based social capital, youth organizing and civic preparation, the professionalization work of teacher activism, and the dynamics of university–school–community partnerships. He teaches a practicum on youth civic opportunities and courses on the politics of school reform and the social organization of schooling and also serves as the Faculty Director of Penn's Civic House and the Civic Scholars Program. Quinn is a recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award and the Outstanding Service Award from the Graduate School of Education.

Quinn is a former community organizer, public policy advocate, and nonprofit leader who worked to advance welfare, housing, and immigrant rights. Over the years, he consulted for and served on the boards of several nonprofit/social justice organizations. Quinn earned his Ph.D. in education (policy analysis) from Stanford University and was a University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellow. He joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania in 2012.

Research Interests and Current Projects

Dr. Quinn’s current research agenda includes projects on civic opportunities in schools and other youth-serving spaces, parent social capital in school- and neighborhood-based networks, and public deliberation on climate transition policies and well-being.

Journal Editorial Boards

Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis
Editorial Board