As Senior Research Associate in Innovation Studies at WestEd, Melissa Eiler White, PhD, leads research and evaluation projects focused on school workforce and educator effectiveness issues.

Currently, she is leading an evaluation of the New Generation of Educators Initiative—a multi-year effort aimed at reforming California State University teacher preparation programs. White has led also numerous research efforts for the Regional Educational Laboratory West at WestEd. Projects have focused on the teacher and principal labor market in California, as well as systems of teacher evaluation and support for clients that include the Los Angeles Unified School District, the California Department of Education, and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Prior to joining WestEd in 2006, White worked at California Legislative Analyst's Office, advising the Legislature on fiscal and policy issues related to childcare, preschool, and K-12 teachers. During her time at the Graduate School of Education at Stanford, she worked on research and evaluation projects focused on teacher preparation. She also conducted research on teacher learning and leadership at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning.

Several articles authored by White—on topics including teacher education, learning, and leadership—have appeared in edited books and refereed journals.

White received a BA in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MA in policy analysis and evaluation and a PhD in administration and policy analysis from Stanford University's Graduate School of Education.