Rebecca Winthrop.

A globally recognized leader in education.
Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University.

Rebecca Winthrop is a pioneering authority in the field of education, dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in life, work, and as an engaged citizen. She leads cutting-edge research and initiatives aimed at transforming education systems around the world to better support children's learning and development. 

Rebecca is a trusted advisor to both school communities and national and international organizations. Her expertise is sought by many including parent networks, schools, district education leaders, the White House, the United Nations, and Fortune 500 companies. Rebecca's work is centered on developing and advocating for evidence-based strategies that bring people together—families, educators, policymakers, and companies—to help children maximize their potential. 

She holds a PhD from Columbia University’s Teachers College, a MA from its School of International and Public Affairs, and a BA from Swarthmore College.

  • Personal Journey
    Rebecca's passion for education was shaped by her experiences growing up in Oregon, where she witnessed first hand the vital role that teachers, community mentors, and parents play in helping children develop the skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving world. She benefited from rich learning environments including working in her parents’ business, encouragement from teachers, and receiving guidance from community mentors. Her early work with educational programs serving migrant workers and their families sparked a global journey that took her to over 20 countries where she developed transformative approaches to fostering students’ academic skills and wellbeing. From supporting girls’ education in Afghanistan to students in rural communities in the U.S., she has witnessed the power of education to change the trajectory of children’s lives. 

    As a mother of two boys, she also has lived the stories she studies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was surprised to discover how difficult it is to predict behaviors and understand what motivates our children. The crisis of disengagement, which negatively impacted her children and so many others, became a growing concern for her. She is determined to help educators and parents recognize and address this issue, ensuring that all children can stay connected to their education and their future. 

    Recognition and Media
    Rebecca’s groundbreaking work has been featured in leading media outlets including the BBC, NPR, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Economist. She is also a prolific author sharing her research with diverse audiences.

 

For more about Rebecca’s latest research, speaking engagements, or to get in touch, explore the links below.