Jason Burns, PhD, is a research specialist at the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) in East Lansing, Michigan. Dr. Burns leads research on education finance and educator compensation and contributes to several ongoing studies of Michigan’s teacher workforce. His work examines the level of resources Michigan invests in schools and districts, the policies and local conditions that shape how districts use those resources, and the incentives that influence educator recruitment and retention. He also leads evaluations of recent state investments in the educator workforce, including Grow Your Own initiatives, incentives for National Board Certified Teachers, and student loan support for educators. Across this work, he partners with state agencies, school districts, and other education organizations to produce research that informs policy and practice. Prior to working for EPIC, Dr. Burns was an assistant professor at Seton Hall University in New Jersey and a high school social studies teacher in Maryland. He received his PhD in educational policy from Michigan State University, his master’s degree in secondary social studies education from Johns Hopkins University, and his bachelor’s degree in history from Kent State University.

burnsja6@msu.edu