Elizabeth earned a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Oklahoma in Educational Administration Curriculum and Supervision. Her doctoral thesis was a study on the structural conditions in school districts that enable or hinder effective teacher assessment and program implementation.
Mrs. Brands brings a wealth of experience from occupying key roles in education, including teacher, funder, and program provider. As a school teacher, Elizabeth learned first-hand the challenges educators face today. As a foundation program officer, she evaluated and funded agencies, and partnered on area-wide systemic improvements. As Executive Director of Reading Partners in Oklahoma, Elizabeth worked on the front-line to help at-risk youth master grade-level reading skills and experienced the challenges faced by agencies trying to make a difference in student education.