In this blog, Acting IES Director Soldner offers reflections on the service of Dr. Nathan Jones, outgoing Commissioner of the National Center for Special Education Research.
By now, many of you have had a chance to read Dr. Nathan Jones’s blog announcing his return to the faculty at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education. Bittersweet indeed.
Nate joined IES three years ago to serve as the Commissioner for the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER). In our first meeting, I was struck by three things: his commitment to serving students with or at risk of disabilities; his belief in the power of rigorous research; and his kind, curious, and thoughtful nature. I knew then he would make a great addition to the IES team—something I’ve seen borne out every day since.
Nate has much to be proud of from the work that he and the rest of the NCSER team have done together. They have supported the next generation of special education researchers; collaborations that are applying the latest in artificial intelligence to better meet the needs of students who need additional speech and language supports; and, importantly, work that recognizes the complexities of the multiple systems in which special education—and students with exceptional needs and their families—are embedded. Like investment in education itself, investment in education research can take years to pay off. I’m confident that, five (... or ten ... or fifteen) years from now, Nate will be able to look back on that work and know that it has made a difference for our field and those it serves. I’m also confident that, as he returns to university life, his time at IES will shape his ongoing research, teaching and service. Perhaps I’m biased, but I’m hopeful that will also yield benefits for students and families, schools and systems, and special education researchers for years to come.
At this point, many of you are no doubt asking “what’s next” for NCSER leadership. I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Albro, who is currently serving as the Commissioner of the National Center for Education Research (NCER), will assume leadership of NCSER following Nate’s departure. Those of you familiar with IES’s history will know that this model—with one Commissioner overseeing both NCSER and NCER—has been done successfully in the past. Liz will be ably supported by Dr. Jacquelyn Buckley, who will continue in her role as NCSER Deputy Commissioner, and the whole of the NCSER team. I am deeply grateful to each of them for their commitment to the work of NCSER, its fellow Centers, and the whole of the Institute.
Please join me in thanking Nate for his service to NCSER, IES, and the U.S. Department of Education. We, and the state of special education research in this country, are better for it.
As always, I welcome your feedback. I can be reached at matthew.soldner@ed.gov.
