Like any good book nerd, Lauren Bardwell began her career as a high school English teacher. She earned her BA in English at Millsaps College and her MEd in curriculum and instruction at Middle Tennessee State University. Prior to joining NWEA’s Content Advocacy and Design team, Lauren served as the executive director for adolescent literacy for the Tennessee Department of Education and a principal designer for Odell Education’s high school literacy program. Lauren is passionate about ensuring students have access to high-quality instructional materials and assessments; teachers have access to ongoing, job-embedded professional development; and leaders have access to meaningful thought partnerships to improve instruction and achieve equitable outcomes for all students. When she’s not working, she’s busy hiking trails with her dog and attempting overly ambitious recipes in the kitchen, with varying levels of success. Lauren left NWEA in 2023.
