Joy Rushing is an EdPrepLab Researcher at the Learning Policy Institute, where she also contributes to the Educator Quality team. In her role, she supports a variety of research and policy initiatives, concentrating on advancing EdPrepLab’s objectives and impact. Her focus is on utilizing research to inform policy and practice, particularly as it pertains to teacher and leadership preparation and development within higher education.

Prior to joining LPI, Rushing worked as an education research and policy consultant, specializing in school leadership research and project management. She also holds deep experience as a practitioner. Rushing began her career in the classroom, where she taught middle school English language arts and gifted education for more than a decade.

Rushing holds a PhD in Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision of Curriculum from Auburn University, a MAT in Middle School Education from Clemson University, and a BA in English Literature from the University of South Florida. Rushing holds multiple educator, instructional leader, and principal certifications.