Darcy Pietryka

Overview

Darcy Pietryka is a Principal Research Associate and technical assistance (TA) provider with 20+ years of experience in K-16 education and other policy issues, with an emphasis on educational equity. She has successfully led fast-paced, high-profile multi-million-dollar TA, monitoring, communication, and dissemination projects. She approaches the work with an asset-based and continuous improvement approach.  

Pietryka leads TA activities including needs sensing, asset mapping, root-cause analysis and reporting activities; the planning and implementation of targeted and universal TA via multiple modes; supporting and leveraging communities of practice; and planning stakeholder engagement and networking events. In addition, she partners to help entities attain intended outcomes; create, implement, and report on TA plans; and identify and remediate gaps.

Pietryka is a nationally known expert in educator effectiveness, in areas that span the teacher and leader pipeline from preparation and pathways to certification and retention, with a focus on recruiting, supporting, and retaining a highly effective and diverse educator workforce. She is also well-versed in human capital management systems, strategic compensation, and alternative routes to certification. She oversees the development of technical, outreach, and communications services for wide-ranging audiences.

She serves on the board for the National Association for State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) and was a board member and section editor for the National Association for Alternative Certification (NAAC) journal and a counselor in a high school focused on college access and persistence for traditionally underserved students. During her career, she has contributed to numerous presentations, technical reports, and publications in education.

Education

• EdM, Prevention Science and Practice, Harvard University
• BA, Government and Politics (with a minor in Education), University of Maryland