As Associate Director of the West Comprehensive Center at WestEd, Marie Mancuso coordinates the work of the Center and provides assistance and support on key education initiatives to state education agencies in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. She currently partners with REL West, via the Center, to provide policy and organizational context about State Education Agencies, who are receiving coaching and support on educator development through REL West's Educator Effectiveness Alliance.

Mancuso's responsibilities include program administration; developing and overseeing regional and state-specific work; convening regional and state communities of practice; and providing expertise, onsite consultation, and guidance to state education leaders and policymakers.

Her work with colleagues in the West Comprehensive Center has enabled state education agencies to examine, develop, and implement key education policies and initiatives in order to strengthen and improve student outcomes. These include the implementation of rigorous college- and career-ready standards and assessments, the development and implementation of educator evaluation systems and the development of turnaround leaders to improve districts and schools.

Prior to joining WestEd, Mancuso directed the Arizona Department of Education’s Standards-based Teaching and Learning Division, overseeing the development and implementation of state standards and state-sponsored professional development for Arizona educators.

In addition, Mancuso directed the state’s reading initiative focused on the improvement of K-3 reading instruction in low-performing schools, resulting in significant gains in reading achievement in participating schools.

She began her career as a teacher and later worked at the district level in curriculum, assessment and professional development

Mancuso received a BA in elementary education and psychology from American University and an MEd in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.