Hillary Knudson

Background

About Hillary Knudson

I believe every student is entitled to a quality education that sets them up for opportunity and choice after high school. I bridge the worlds of policy and practice to help education leaders design systems that deliver on the promise of opportunity for every student. My work focuses on K–12 policy, mathematics instruction, and high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) — aligning state and district strategies with research-based, equity-focused outcomes. With over a decade of experience in federal and state education policy, I’ve worked at the intersection of strategy, advocacy, and implementation. As Deputy Chief of Staff at the Tennessee Department of Education, I co-authored the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan and led multi-million-dollar initiatives connected to early literacy, HQIM, and school improvement. Prior to TDOE, I served as K–12 policy staffer for the U.S. Senate HELP Committee, supporting the reauthorization and passage of ESSA. Now as a Vice President at Whiteboard Advisors, I advise national nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, edtech companies, and policymakers on navigating complex education systems, identifying opportunities for meaningful change, and ensuring K-12 instruction builds durable skills that prepare students for life beyond high school. Areas of Expertise: K–12 Education Policy, Mathematics Instruction, High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), Early Literacy, School Improvement, Postsecondary and Career Readiness.