Faculty Expert

  • Angela Duckworth

    Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor, Penn Arts & Sciences

  • Jonathan Zimmerman

    Judy and Howard Berkowitz Professor in Education

    Policy, Organizations, Leadership, and Systems Division

  • Richard M. Ingersoll

    Professor of Education and Sociology

  • Laura W. Perna

    Vice Provost for Faculty

    Policy, Organizations, Leadership, and Systems Division

  • Howard C. Stevenson

    Constance Clayton Professor of Urban Education

    Human Development and Quantitative Methods Division

  • Pam Grossman

    Professor Emerita of Education

    Learning, Teaching, and Literacies Division

  • Katharine O. Strunk

    Dean, Graduate School of Education

    Policy, Organizations, Leadership, and Systems Division

  • Vivian L. Gadsden

    William T. Carter Professor Emerita of Child Development and Education

    Learning, Teaching, and Literacies Division

Faculty from Penn GSE once again earned national recognition in the 2026 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings, published annually by Education Week. The rankings identify the top 200 education scholars in the United States whose research and public engagement most strongly shape education policy, practice, and public discourse.

Penn GSE scholars were represented across the rankings, reflecting the School’s sustained leadership in research that bridges rigorous scholarship and real-world impact — from classroom practice and teacher workforce issues to racial equity, higher education access, and civic engagement.

Penn GSE Scholars in the 2026 Edu-Scholar Rankings

  • #1 – Angela Duckworth
    Psychologist, bestselling author, GSE secondary faculty member, and last year's Commencement speaker Angela Duckworth claimed the top spot in the 2026 rankings. Her influential work on grit, motivation, and character development continues to shape conversations in education, psychology, and beyond. Watch her Commencement address to Penn GSE's 2025 graduates.
  • #18 – Jonathan Zimmerman
    Historian and public scholar Jonathan Zimmerman was recognized for his widely read commentary and scholarship connecting education to broader political, cultural, and historical debates.
  • #66 – Howard C. Stevenson
    Howard C. Stevenson, a leading voice on racial literacy and school climate, was honored for research that centers equity, belonging, and psychological well-being in educational settings.
  • #73 – Richard Ingersoll
    Sociologist Richard Ingersoll continues to be recognized for foundational research on teacher preparation, retention, and workforce stability — work that directly informs policy nationwide.
  • #78 – Laura W. Perna
    Higher education scholar Laura W. Perna earned recognition for her influential research on college access, affordability, and student success, particularly for historically underrepresented populations.
  • #99 – Pam Grossman
    Former Penn GSE Dean Pam Grossman was acknowledged for her enduring contributions to teacher education and professional learning, shaping how educators are prepared and supported.
  • #101 – Katharine O. Strunk
    Penn GSE Dean Katharine O. Strunk was recognized for her scholarship on education policy, labor markets, and organizational change, highlighting her dual role as a national research leader and institutional leader.
  • #186 – Vivian L. Gadsden
    Vivian L. Gadsden, a scholar of family and community engagement, was honored for research that elevates intergenerational learning, literacy, and the role of families in educational success.
    Sustained National Influence

The RHSU Edu-Scholar rankings assess scholars based on research citations, media engagement, and public impact — emphasizing not only academic excellence, but also the ability to inform and influence public understanding of education.

Together, Penn GSE’s strong presence in the 2026 rankings underscores the School’s commitment to scholarship that engages pressing educational challenges and contributes meaningfully to national conversations about equity, opportunity, and educational improvement.

Read the Education Week story to see the full list.


 

 

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