As Director of the Region 13 Comprehensive Center at WestEd, a federally funded technical assistance center, Marie Mancuso oversees and coordinates the center’s work providing assistance and support to state education agencies in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and the Bureau of Indian Education.
Mancuso’s responsibilities include program administration; developing and overseeing regional and state-specific work; convening regional and state communities of practice; and providing expertise, onsite consultation, and guidance to state education leaders and policymakers.
Her work has enabled state education agencies to examine, develop, and implement key education policies and initiatives focused on systems design, equitable access to learning, and continuous improvement in order to strengthen student outcomes. She has contributed to the implementation of rigorous college- and career-ready standards and assessment practices, the development and implementation of educator effectiveness systems, and support for leaders in district and school improvement.
Prior to joining WestEd, Mancuso directed the Arizona Department of Education’s Standards-Based Teaching and Learning Division, overseeing the development and implementation of state standards and state-sponsored professional development for Arizona educators.
In addition, Mancuso directed the state’s initiative focused on improving K–3 reading instruction in low-performing schools, which resulted in significant gains in reading achievement in participating schools.
She began her career as a teacher and later worked at the district level in curriculum, assessment, and professional development.
Mancuso received a BA in elementary education and psychology from American University and an MEd in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.