Isabella Hernandez is a research assistant at the American Institutes for Research (AIR). She supports the Illinois Resource Allocation Review, Illinois Wellness, and Illinois Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition Project with the Region 9 Comprehensive Center (R9CC). Isabella has served as a research assistant for several successful research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects across several states. These projects leverage evidence-based strategies and data-driven solutions to promote high-quality programs and policies with an emphasis on equitable access.
Isabella’s other work at AIR includes serving as research assistant for several state and district projects focused on developing a diverse teacher workforce, conducting economic evaluations, and improving access to high-quality early childhood education. In previous roles at AIR, Isabella delivered data-driven analysis and insights for several states on projects related to inter-agency collaboration, re-engaging students after the pandemic, and school improvement activities. She has substantial knowledge and experience working with State Education Agencies on projects involving qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, social network analysis, facilitating interviews and focus groups, and developing surveys. She earned her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Education & Society at The University of Chicago.