About Us

Our Purpose

Learning Environments Action Research Network (LEARN) is a non-profit organization focused on enhancing learning environments with actionable strategies and solutions from analysis and development of research, utilizing a network of education partners. Its vision is that every student across the nation has access to learning environments that promote safety, access, innovation, health, and sustainability. The organization provides districts with easily digestible research, access to experts, professional development support, and ongoing cohort support.

Our History

LEARN was born out of a simple question, “What is the school of the future?” Experts from a wide variety of backgrounds and industries gathered to envision all that schools could and should be in terms of the social, cultural, and built environment. Established in late 2022, the organization worked quickly to establish relationships with school district leaders to tap into their needs and provide a network of partners who could help solve their most pressing learning environment challenges. Through symposia, research briefs, and podcasts, LEARN has curated and disseminated research to inform school-district decision-making and is planning resource expansion going forward.

2026 Strategic Plan

open Pdf

2026 Impact Report

open Pdf

CHOOSE A TAB

Dr. Jeannie Haubert

Executive Director

Before becoming executive director of LEARN, Dr. Haubert was the Director of Research, Professional Development, and Academic Affairs for the American Sociological Association, served as Full Professor and Chair of the Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology department at Winthrop University, and authored a book, several book chapters, and research articles on a variety of social inequalities. She has consulted for the Linguistic Society of America and several non-profits specializing in grant writing, project management, and professional development. She received her Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from Tulane University and a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Furman University.

2026 Research Advisory Board

Term 3/31/26–3/31/27

Dr. Adanays Aranda – Catawba Ridge High School (English Language Learners)
Dr. Jennifer Bassett-Alvarez – Spring ISD (Early Childhood Education)
Dr. Chris Ballow – Independent Researcher (Educational Psychology/School Psychology)
Dr. Marisa Cannata – Vanderbilt University (Education Policy / School Reform)
Dr. Brooke Culclasure – Furman University (Innovative Education Models)
Dr. Sherell Fuller – NC A&T (Instructional Innovation / Diverse Learners)
Dr. Crystal Glover – Winthrop University (High-Need Children and Schools)
Dr. Marshall Jones – Winthrop University (Ed Tech / Blended Learning Environments)
Dr. April Mustian – Winthrop University (Exceptional Learners)
Dr. Lindsay Yearta – SC Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (Teacher Interests)

Superintendents Advisory Board

Term 3/31/26–3/31/27

Mr. Andy Allen – Plainfield Community School Corporation, IN
Dr. Michelle Carney-Ray-Yoder – Central Regional School District, NJ
Dr. Tahira Dupree Chase – Westbury UFSD, NY
Dr. Tony Hemingway – LEARN Ambassador, Board Vice Chair, SC
Dr. Joe Hernandez – LEARN Ambassador, Board Chair, CA
Dr. Rafael Iniguez – Parlier USD, CA
Dr. Daniel Keever – Williamsburg-James City County Schools, VA
Dr. Jenny McGown – Klein ISD, TX
Theresa Rappaport – The Excel Center for Adults, TX
Dr. Quintin Shepherd – Pflugerville ISD, TX
Dr. Kristen Turnow – Locust Valley School District, NY
Dr. Grey Young – Fort Mill School District, SC

Board of Directors

Tracy Cook - Mohawk Group

Ryan Fasone

Mark Hubbard - Paragon Furniture

Jennifer Keegan - GAF

Melissa Turnbaugh - PBK Architects

Don Ulrich - School Strategies and Solutions

Cyndie Goss - Carnegie Fabrics

Jonathan Stanley - Tarkett

In process… Check back soon for this update!

Who contributes to LEARN's mission?

Ph.D. Researchers
Education Industry Experts
Superintendent Advisors

What resources does LEARN offer?

Short, actionable, vetted research and policy briefs
Bite-sized expert podcasts
And growing... new materials each week!

What services does LEARN provide?

Hosting free virtual and in-person learning events for superintendents
Providing on-demand research assistance for district leaders
Connecting education practitioners with research partners

What gap does LEARN address?

LEARN helps to bridge the research to practice gap by curating easy-to- digest summaries of research and providing steps for putting that research into action for the betterment of K-12 learning environments.

How would you summarize what LEARN does?

L.E.A.R.N. is amplifying quality research and toolkits helping to get them off the shelf and into the hands of educational decision-makers.
L.E.A.R.N. is creating spaces for collaborative problem-solving through virtual and in-person events for district leaders.

How is LEARN different?

Our resources respect the busy schedules of district leaders by doing the searching and vetting work for you to deliver insights you can trust packaged in a jargon-free, quick read or listen. All of our briefs are paired with action steps making it easy to use evidence to guide decision-making. How much time do you have?

1 hour? Join one of our virtual events
15 mins? Listen to an expert podcast
2 mins? Read a research brief
30 secs? Skim an infographic

You may find that these leave you hungry for more! Not to worry, each offering is paired with the full study/report from which it was sourced so you can always go deeper.

Can I just ask LEARN for what I need?

Yes! Our new 'Ask an Expert' and 'Ask a Researcher' programs are tailored to your specific needs.
Simply email us at askanexpert@golearntoday.org and we will bring your question to our education industry partners for consultation.
Example: Disruptive behaviors have made it clear that we need to redesign our classrooms to better serve special needs students. Where should we start?

Or email us at askaresearcher@golearntoday.org to request tailored research to help you address a particular district challenge.
Example: Some have suggested a 4-day work week to improve teacher morale and retention. Is there research you could pass along to help us evaluate whether this is a good idea and what impacts it would have?