Marigrace Walker

Background

About Marigrace Walker

Advocate | Researcher | Educational Leader | Early Childhood & Policy Expert For over 30 years, I have worked to transform education through research, policy, and practice. My mission is clear: ensure all children have access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. I specialize in instructional leadership, play-based learning, teacher development, and education policy reform, helping to bridge the gap between research-driven best practices and real-world application. What I Do: Lead educational transformation initiatives that enhance teacher development and student learning Advocate for play-based learning, ensuring its alignment with academic excellence Conduct policy research on early childhood education, curriculum, and teacher retention Collaborate with educators, administrators, and policymakers to drive meaningful change Career Highlights: Led the implementation of play-based learning in a PreK-8 school, training teachers and engaging families Conducted statewide research on teacher retention as part of the Connecticut COVID-19 Education Research Collaborative (CCERC) Transformed an under-enrolled school, increasing student population by over 400% through strategic partnerships Researched and advocated for educational equity, including studies on book banning and supporting Muslim students in public schools Consulted for Nickelodeon & Disney, ensuring early childhood media was educationally sound and developmentally appropriate Why It Matters: Education reform requires visionary leadership and informed policy decisions. Connecticut has made strides in early childhood education, but continued progress depends on leaders who understand both the complexities of policy and the realities of the classroom. I bring both strategic insight and hands-on experience, making me uniquely positioned to help drive real, lasting change in education. Let’s connect! I welcome conversations on education policy, instructional leadership, research, and advocacy.