Tabitha Grossman is NCTR’s Chief External Relations Officer. In her role, Tabitha oversees NCTR’s external communications, the state and federal policy strategy, and its research and evaluation agenda. Before joining the team at NCTR, Tabitha worked with state policymakers to develop systemic approaches to improving teaching and learning conditions in K12 schools at a public policy, non-profit organization. She previously led teams of consultants supporting the nation’s governors at the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center). In that role, she worked with governors to develop research-based policies to improve the effectiveness and diversity of the educator workforce. She also supported governors in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Prior to her role at the NGA Center, Tabitha worked as an advisor to governors in Virginia and North Carolina designing and implementing statewide, progressive initiatives to improve outcomes for at-risk students. Tabitha began her career as a public school educator in school districts in central Virginia. She holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership; a Post-Master’s degree in administration and supervision; a Master of Education degree in counselor education; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science all from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.