Amanda Danks

Amanda Danks has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and organizations. Currently, they serve as an Adjunct Professor at North Carolina State University. Prior to this, they worked as a Senior Researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), where they managed cost analysis projects for statewide policies and targeted programs. Amanda has experience supporting investigations aimed at enhancing equity and opportunity for learners. Before joining AIR, Amanda worked as a Researcher from 2019 to 2022, also at AIR. Amanda has also held positions at North Carolina State University as a Graduate Research Assistant, focusing on large-scale research projects and data analysis related to the North Carolina Digital Learning Initiative. Amanda's work in education includes roles at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as a Testing Policy and Operations Exceptional Children Consultant, as well as at Baltimore City Public Schools where they worked as a Special Education Teacher and Lead Teacher. Additionally, Amanda has experience as a Family Trainer and Technician Supervisor for Families with Children that have Autism at Endless Options LLC, and as a Special Education Content Seminar Leader and Summer Institute Resident Advisor at The New Teacher Project in conjunction with the Baltimore city Teaching Residency. Overall, Amanda Danks has a well-rounded background in education research, policy analysis, and teaching.

Amanda Danks completed their education in a chronological manner, starting with their enrollment at Youngstown State University in 2000 where they earned credits in Psychology. In 2001, they then attended Bethany College and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, which they completed in 2005. Following this, Amanda pursued a Master of Arts degree in Leadership in Teaching with a Specialization in Special Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University from 2005 to 2007. In 2012, they returned to Notre Dame of Maryland University and achieved an Administrative Certification in School Administration, concluding their studies in 2014. Finally, from 2016 to 2021, they attended North Carolina State University and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis.