Life-Long Educator, Education Policy Expert & Advocate
CEO, Corporate Board Director, Presidential Appointee & Senior Fellow, Harvard University
Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel is a President and Chief Executive Officer, Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, and Presidential Appointee
Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel is a bilingual executive leader with extensive experience in shaping education at the local, state, national, and international levels. She currently serves as the President and CEO of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), where she leads efforts focused on the academic recovery and well-being of students and educators globally.
Previously, Dr. Samuel held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Outreach and Engagement at the U.S. Department of Education, where she worked across all educational policy areas. She was also the Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Partnerships at NWEA, overseeing intergovernmental affairs for a global nonprofit organization, and served as the Director of Education at the National Governors Association, where she influenced policies affecting education, health, and workforce development.
Dr. Samuel’s expertise includes policy development, program evaluation, strategic planning, and project management. She has collaborated with a diverse range of stakeholders, speaks at various educational forums, and serves on multiple national and local boards. Recognized as a strategic thinker and effective problem solver, she also holds the position of Senior Fellow at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.
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Consultant
I provide thought leadership on strategic planning, implementation, and systems change, partnering with policy and education leaders to guide systems design, organizational development, and leadership capacity building and effectiveness. My work advances evidence-based strategies across the cradle-to-career continuum that strengthen educator capacity and improve student outcomes.
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Speaker
Transform your event with powerful keynotes that inspire, challenge, and equip educators, leaders, and communities to drive meaningful change. Each keynote blends research, real-world experience, and practical strategies—leaving audiences energized and ready to create lasting impact.
Dr. Samuel and former Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, National Association of Elementary Principals, Distinguished Principal's gala, 2021
Dr. Samuel and former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
Dr. Samuel and former Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten
Dr. Samuel and former Governor of Delaware Jack Markell (DE) during the 2017 Governors' Education Policy Advisors Institute
Dr. Samuel with former Governors' advisors (L to R) Lindsay Dworkin, Brian Mitchell, and Dr. Dietra Trent
Dr. Samuel and Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond during the Governors' Education Policy Advisors Institute
Governors Education Symposium held in Denver, CO. Dr. Samuel with Governors from across the country focusing on education issues.
Dr. Samuel facilitates a strategic dialogue with Andreas Schleicher (OECD), engaging governors’ advisors in a discussion on the global state of education and its implications for policy and practice.
Dr. Samuel speaks on educational the national landscape.
Dr. Samuel and Minnie Brown-Trickey of the Little Rock Nine.
Dr. Samuel facilitates a meeting between former Governor of Montana Steve Bullock (L) and MT state legislators and Alabama Department of Early Childhood Secretary Jeana Ross (C).
The National Governors Association education team giving back in Miami, Florida after Hurricane Irma.
Dr. Samuel delivers welcome remarks at the Governors’ Education Policy Advisors Institute, setting the stage for thoughtful dialogue on education policy and systems change.
Aspen Institute Fellowship — An invited convening of national leaders focused on advancing strategies to strengthen educator quality and improve student outcomes.
A visit with members of Gov. Northam's (VA) education team.
2018 Governor's Summer Meeting - Dr. Samuel presented to over half the nation's Governors on School Safety.
Dr. Samuel and her children attending her presentation for VA Governor Ralph Northam on racial disparities and maternal mortality.
Dr. Samuel with former Governor's Education Advisors Linda Fandel (R), LaTanya Pattillo (Center)
Dr. Samuel with former Governor's Education Advisor Tami Pyfer.
Facilitating a meeting at Harvard University as a Senior Fellow with the Center on the Developing Child.
Key members of NWEA's leadership hosting a convening in Washington, D.C.
Governor Kay Ivey's Early Childhood kick off event.
Dr. Samuel with former Governors' advisors (L to R) Lindsay Dworkin, Dietra Trent, and Brian Mitchell at a summit on governors' post-election priorities in 2018.
Dr. Samuel presenting to Brazil's Prime Ministers and key education leaders, (Oxford) London.
Dr. Samuel with Dr. Beth Caron, Linda Hampton of Kentucky, and Dr. Wayne Lewis.
Dr. Samuel visits former President Lily McNair at her alma mater Tuskegee University, a historically Black university.
Dr. Samuel with Dale Erquiaga and former NGA Executive Director Scott Pattison.
Education leaders gathered in Washington, DC for a thoughtful luncheon discussion on the current landscape and future direction of assessments in education.
Dr. Samuel served as a graduate advisor to a group of Carnegie Mellon graduate students.
A meeting with former Delaware Governor John Carney and his education advisor, focused on leadership, policy, and education.
Dr. Samuel introducing Gov. Bob Wise at the 2018 Post Elections Summit.
The NGA education team to (MT) to discuss a variety of education policy priorities.
Dr. Samuel presenting on U.S. education and education policy at Oxford University.
Dr. Samuel welcoming guests to the 2018 Elections Summit.
Fellow Board Members of Parents As Teachers home visiting program.
Dr. Samuel welcomes guests at a national Back to School reception in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Samuel presenting NWEA's policy and advocacy agenda.
Dr. Samuel during a school visit on the Hopi Reservation, meeting with Tribal and school leaders to discuss early childhood education and community priorities.
Dr. Samuel and Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, 6th President of Houghton College, former Commissioner of Education (KY).
Dr. Beth Caron (left), former Governor of Montana (middle) and Dr. Samuel on a state policy visit.
Dr. Samuel at a private networking event at Oxford University with global education leaders, engaging in dialogue on education innovation, leadership, and systems change.
Dr. Samuel before a closed policy session for governors' staff.
Dr. Samuel, Dr. Robert Runcie (right) and former Colorado division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management director (L) discuss school safety and prevention.
Dr. Samuel presents to Wyoming state policymakers as Director of the Education division at NGA.
Dr. Samuel with Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond at a national education convening in Washington, D.C., engaging in dialogue on advancing equity, educator preparation, and systems change to improve student outcomes nationwide.
Dr. Samuel with the former Mayor of Nogales, AZ (L) at a grand opening of a Family Resource Center.
Dr. Samuel and the NGA Education team at a dinner at the Clinton Presidential Library.
Dr. Samuel with other NGA staff at a giving event in Washington, D.C.
NWEA national team meeting
Dr. Samuel with Gov. Ivey's Cabinet members.
Dr. Samuel and the NGA education team at the 2018 Back to School reception in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Samuel poses with Dr. Andre Perry (far left), Dr. Walter Gilliam (center left), Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond (center) and panelists at the 2017 Governors' Education Policy Advisors Institute.
Dr. Samuel moderating a national panel on early childhood.
Dr. Samuel speaking on a New America panel on the Early Childhood Workforce.
Dr. Samuel speaks at the 2019 Drive Summit in North Carolina, sharing insights on leadership and driving systems-level change to improve outcomes for students and educators.
Dr. Samuel poses with U.S. House of Representatives Education and Workforce Chair Bobby Scott (middle left), VA Department of Education former Director of Community Engagement Leah Walker (center left), and conference panelists.
Dr. Samuel and Dr. Frank Gettridge. Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference gala.
Dr. Samuel hosted the first-ever Week of the Young Child event in Nogales, bringing together families, educators, and community leaders to celebrate and support early childhood development.
Dr. Samuel presenting (via translator) on U.S. education policy at Oxford University.
Dr. Samuel speaking at a 2019 NWEA event on advancing student opportunity and outcomes.
Dr. Samuel with former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at a convening focused on the importance of early childhood education.
Dr. Samuel welcomes national guests at the 2018 Back to School reception in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Samuel on a post-election panel at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).
Dr. Samuel moderated a panel of educators and Governors’ Education Advisors at the historic Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Presentation at a VA Department of Education event in 2019.
Dr. Samuel moderating a discussion in Hawaii with state policymakers and former Gov. Ice (R).
Dr. Aaliyah Samuel and Dr. Jack Shonkoff, Center on the Developing Child.
VA educators and former Gov. James Hunt
The Governors' Education Policy Advisors Institute in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Dr. Samuel with Dr. Wayne D. Lewis discussing education policy opportunities.
White House Jacksonville Community Roundtable, 2021
Dr. Samuel and James Richard Kvaal, former Under Secretary of Education
White House Community Conversation Columbia, SC, 2021
Dr. Samuel and former Governor of Virginia Terry McAluffie
White House Community Roundtable, 2021
White House Community Roundtable Post-lunch, 2021
White House Parent Roundtable, 2021
White House Educator Roundtable, 2021
White House Educator Roundtable, 2021
White House Parent Roundtable, 2021
Dr. Samuel and DCPS Student, Halloween 2021
At an HBCU roundtable on pandemic recovery, a student leader presents Dr. Aaliyah Samuel with a sweatshirt honoring her alma mater—an intergenerational moment rooted in resilience, leadership, and the enduring legacy of HBCUs.
Dr. Samuel and Marcia Fudge, 18th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Dr. Samuel greeting guests at an international conference.
Dr. Samuel with GA state and local education leaders during an international conference.
Dr. Samuel at the New York Stock Exchange, serving as a corporate board member.
Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel at the New York Stock Exchange, serving as a corporate board member.
Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel with former U.S. Secretaries of Education Arne Duncan and John King, reflecting on leadership, public service, and the future of education.
Dr. Samuel facilitating a White House discussion—bringing leaders together to advance thoughtful dialogue, shared learning, and solutions that strengthen students, educators, and communities nationwide.
Dr. Samuel and Dr. Franks at the NAESP Distinguished Principals Gala.
FEATURED PODCASTER
Testing America's Freedom by NWEA
Want a deep dive into the history of equity and public schooling in the U.S.? Education policy expert and former elementary school principal Dr. Aaliyah Samuel is your guide through revealing discussions with education experts across the US examining the history of race and education. Topics include impacts of desegregation, school funding, testing, curriculum, and much more.
Featured Articles & Podcast Episodes
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Back to School in a Fall Like No Other: Appointees Serving Students, Families, and Communities
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New Report Offers Clearest Picture Yet Of Pandemic Impact On Student Learning
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Research, policy, and practice: Dr. Aaliyah Samuel on early childhood development, equity in schools, and listening to educators’ voices