Lam Pham, an assistant professor at NC State College of Education, has been honored with the Early Career Scholar Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) School Effectiveness and School Improvement (SESI) Special Interest Group. This prestigious award recognizes Pham’s impactful work in the field of educational evaluation and policy analysis.
Pham’s research focuses on creating equitable distribution of diverse and effective teachers in low-performing schools. His ongoing projects, including North Carolina’s School Restart model and involvement in statewide school turnaround policies in Tennessee, have been acknowledged by the AERA. Additionally, Pham’s partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools aims to recruit, develop, and retain teachers to enhance outcomes for over 6,000 students in the district’s lowest-performing schools.
“I believe that effective school improvement policies hinge on recruiting and retaining quality educators,” Pham stated. “While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, my research underscores the importance of having skilled teachers and principals in place.” He expressed gratitude for the support from his institution and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on students’ educational experiences in North Carolina.
Pham’s dedication to improving support for high-need schools and enhancing schooling outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds has earned him recognition from his peers in the educational research community. His commitment to addressing complex issues in education policy highlights the importance of effective educators in driving positive change in schools.