826 National is proud to announce that two extraordinary individuals have joined our team. We’re thrilled to welcome Kayla Good, Ph.D, as our new Director of Research, and W. Chris Lee, Ph.D. as our inaugural Director of Learning and Innovation. What began as a search for one leader opened the door to bringing on two remarkable ones, whose complementary expertise will deepen our impact, sharpen our tools, and expand our ability to serve the 826 Network, students, and educators nationwide.
Kayla will lead all the research functions, and Chris will lead our efforts to cultivate educator communities of practice through 826 Digital and teacher professional development. Both will help to represent 826’s pedagogy nationally as voices for transformative writing education.
We invite you to take a moment to get to know them a little more as they begin their journey at 826 National!
Kayla Good, Ph.D, Director of Research
Kayla brings eight years of experience designing and leading research programs at the intersection of education and psychology. She graduated with her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Stanford University, where she led projects exploring how different aspects of learning contexts— for example, how teachers frame their feedback or the extent to which students are concerned about appearing smart to others —shape students’ motivation and resilience. Kayla is a strong believer in the idea that research and data can tell powerful stories, ones that have the potential to drive real-world change. Guided by this belief, she communicates insights and recommendations from her research through outlets such as Scientific American to reach key stakeholders like teachers and parents. As the Director of Research, Kayla is excited to help lead the charge in finding and telling the stories that demonstrate and amplify our students’ (and 826’s!) impact.
“At 826, it feels like the question isn’t just, ‘How many students are we reaching?’ but is ‘Are we reaching the students who need these resources most?’ I strongly believe that every student deserves access to engaging, fun, evidence-based writing education. I feel grateful to be a part of an organization that focuses on ensuring that access, especially for students who have been historically and systemically excluded from receiving it.”
-Kayla Good, Ph.D.
W. Chris Lee, Ph.D., Director of Learning and Innovation
Chris joins 826 National with over fifteen years of experience in learning, program evaluation, and implementation strategy across non-profit, K-12 public, and higher education settings. Chris is originally from Atlanta, GA, where he began his career as an Economics Teacher before relocating to Austin, TX to complete his Ph.D. in Education Policy & Planning at The University of Texas. Chris also earned a Master’s in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education from Kennesaw State University. The majority of Chris’ research and work experiences have focused on the equitable implementation of educational policies and programs, with an emphasis on school choice. Chris relocated to the Bay Area after graduate school and joined the San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent’s Office, where he served as a Research & Evaluation Manager for the African American Achievement & Leadership Initiative, and Senior Manager of Strategy, Research, and Evaluation at the Public Education Enrichment Fund during his nine-year tenure. As Chris shares, “increasing equitable access to and success with high-quality instruction, programs, and community resources for marginalized students and their families has been the guiding light of Chris’s career, and I look forward to advancing this essential and impactful work at 826 National.”
“I’m elated to explore, develop, and iteratively refine systems, practices, and resources that increase teacher efficacy and students’ access to quality writing supports. 826 National is a leader in this field, and I’m eager to contribute to existing and emergent efforts to enrich the learning experiences and materials that students and educators have access to in the service of improving academic, professional, and social conditions and outcomes.”
-W. Chris Lee, Ph.D,
We’re deeply grateful for their commitment and leadership. Together, Chris and Kayla will help us continue uplifting youth voices and ensuring students everywhere have access to the power and joy of writing. Please join us in welcoming them!
