Knowledge Matters, a national nonprofit that champions the role of content knowledge in the sciences of reading and learning, today announced Dr. Kristen McQuillan as its new Executive Director. She succeeds Barbara Davidson, who will continue to serve as President of StandardsWork, the parent organization of Knowledge Matters.
As part of this transition, Knowledge Matters also announced Knowledge Matters Solutions, an in-house consulting practice that expands services previously led by Susan Pimentel, StandardsWorks’s co-founder, and Dr. McQuillan. Knowledge Matters now encompasses the advocacy, research, and public awareness efforts of the Knowledge Matters Campaign and the consulting work of Knowledge Matters Solutions.
“Kristen possesses a deep passion for the Knowledge Matters cause and an ability to communicate that to a wide variety of audiences with wisdom and grace. Her on-the-ground experience helping partners drive change is unparalleled in the literacy space. She is the perfect leader to take Knowledge Matters into its second decade,” Davidson said.
“Barbara has been a driving force in helping shape the knowledge movement,” Dr. McQuillan shared. “Her vision for the Knowledge Matters School Tour, determination in standing up the Knowledge Matters Curriculum Directory, and perseverance in overseeing the development of the Review Tools for identifying both knowledge-rich ELA and history curricula have been game-changing. I am delighted to advance these and other important Knowledge Matters initiatives into the future.”
StandardsWork co-founder and board member Susan Pimentel also praised Davidson’s “pathbreaking leadership and impact in raising public awareness about the roles of content knowledge and curriculum quality in student learning,” and enthusiastically welcomed Dr. McQuillan. “Kristen brings together research chops, abundant classroom and district-level practical experience, and amazing organizational leadership skills,” Pimentel said.
Dr. McQuillan’s background spans instructional roles, leadership positions, and high-impact consulting partnerships. She began her career in Baltimore City Public Schools, working as a teacher, instructional coach, and district administrator. As Partner at TNTP (The New Teacher Project), she led landmark projects that focused on literacy improvement and academic strategy in states and school systems across the country. Dr. McQuillan is a graduate of Michigan State University and earned an Ed.D. in Learning Sciences from Vanderbilt Peabody College. She also holds an M.A. in Education from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education, where she served as Faculty Associate for nine years.
About Knowledge Matters
Knowledge Matters champions the role of student knowledge in the sciences of reading and learning. We grow national awareness and support educators’ transition to high-quality, knowledge-building instruction, including through the Knowledge Matters Campaign’s School Tour, Curriculum Review Tools, and Curriculum Matters Professional Learning Network. Through Knowledge Matters Solutions, we build sustainable, evidence-based practices that enhance teacher expertise and accelerate literacy and learning. Our work is grounded in over 30 years of field-leading expertise by StandardsWork, the parent organization of Knowledge Matters. For more, see www.knowledgematters.org