Beth Tarasawa

About Beth Tarasawa

As the Senior Vice President of Learning Sciences at HMH, I have the privilege of working with a talented team of psychometricians, data scientists, and researchers who are devoted to transforming education research through advancements in curriculum and assessment, growth measurement, and the availability of longitudinal data. I bring a research scientist expertise and a passion to build teams to lead organizations that relentlessly use data-driven insights to eliminate structural barriers by improving practices, informing policy, and driving educational innovation to achieve equitable outcomes for all children. My own research focuses on issues related to educational equity, particularly those concerning social class, race, and linguistic diversity. I am a fierce advocate for educational equity who views a quality education as a fundamental human right that continues to be denied to many students. In the eighty years since the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, there has been incremental success in education reform; while race, income, immigration status, and ethnicity continue to remain powerful predictors of social mobility. I believe we will only be able to dismantle long-standing educational opportunity gaps through the collective action of social justice minded leaders and by intentionally empowering communities. My work has been featured by the New York Times, CNN, PBS’s NewsHour, Children’s Institute, The Hechinger Report, The Atlantic, Education Week, and New America, and I have received significant grants and research contracts from funders including the National Science Foundation, American Sociological Association, Walton Family Foundation, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and Spencer Foundation. Prior to joining HMH, I served as the Executive Vice President of Research at NWEA and held faculty positions at Washington State University and St. Norbert College. I earned my PhD and MA in the sociology of education with a concentration in education policy at Emory University. My board of trustee, director, and service history includes work with Portland State University, City Club of Portland, Open School East, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, Friends of the Children, and Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon.

Experience

1. Senior Vice President of Learning Sciences

   Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

   May 2023 — Present

Education

• Portland State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Sociology

• Georgetown University

  Non-Profit Management Executive Certificate

• Emory University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Sociology of Education

• Emory University

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Sociology