Molly Branson Thayer

Molly Branson Thayer has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. Currently, they hold the position of Sr. Director, Early Literacy Innovation Lab at Teaching Lab, starting in November 2021. Prior to Teaching Lab, Molly worked at the University of Washington from 2014 to 2022, serving as Senior Director from April 2018 to January 2022, Director from January 2016 to March 2018, and Program Director from June 2014 to December 2015. Molly also worked at the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute from 2005 to 2014, where they held various roles including Director Of Strategic Initiatives from September 2013 to June 2014, Director of Literacy from June 2009 to June 2014, and Project Director, Literacy from July 2005 to June 2009. From 2011 to 2014, Molly worked at UChicago Impact, LLC as Interim Director of 6to16 from January 2013 to June 2014, and Co-Founder and Senior Advisor from July 2011 to June 2014. Additionally, Molly has experience from their earlier roles, such as being a Lead Literacy Teacher at Chicago Public Schools from June 2004 to June 2005, an ELD Kindergarten Teacher at San Francisco Unified School District from August 1998 to June 2004, and a Residential Counselor at Seneca Center from September 1995 to August 1997.

Molly Branson Thayer's education history includes a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Reading and Language from National Louis University, which they pursued from 2006 to 2012. Prior to that, they obtained a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education from San Francisco State University, completing their studies from 2000 to 2004. Their undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in American Studies, which they earned from the University of Minnesota between 1990 and 1994.