Academic Professionals: Insights & Resources

Education Consultants in the USA to Watch For

Ryan Stevens

April 19, 2025

Education Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025

United States Education Consultants to Know in 2025

In a world where schools are grappling with everything from AI integration to teacher burnout, education consultants have stepped in as essential support systems. Whether helping school districts rethink curriculum, advising edtech startups, or working directly with teachers and administrators, today’s education consultants are reshaping how we think about learning.

At Digital Reference, we’re all about making the talent ecosystem more transparent. That’s why we’re proud to release this curated list of Education Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025. It’s not just about who’s got the credentials—it’s about who’s making a real impact.

Why We Made This List

Education is personal, and so is great consulting. As the sector shifts toward flexible, just-in-time expertise, we’re seeing a rise in freelance education consultants and solo operators who are helping schools, nonprofits, and education companies navigate complexity.

We evaluated consultants based on:

Their presence in the U.S. education ecosystem (from K-12 to higher ed)
The visibility of their work, thought leadership, and credibility
Regional accessibility (we focused on professionals located across the U.S.)

These are folks who aren’t just working in education—they’re pushing it forward.

Katey Shirey – Founder, EduKatey

With a background in physics and art, Katey brings a STEAM-infused perspective to K-12 education consulting. Through her consultancy EduKatey, she works with schools to develop engaging, equity-focused learning strategies that make science actually fun again.

✅ Deep U.S. presence in K–12 education, especially STEAM-focused programs

✅ Founder of EduKatey, delivering equity-centered, interdisciplinary learning strategies

✅ Known for dynamic, accessible teacher training and curriculum design

✅ Recognized voice in the national conversation on inclusive science education

Dr. Meagan Pollock

An engineer turned culture architect, Dr. Meagan Pollock helps schools and companies design inclusive systems where people and progress thrive. With expertise in AI integration, data analytics, organizational development, STEM education, and learning theory, she delivers tools and training that drive sustainable, people-centered change.

✅ Operates across K–12, higher ed, and corporate learning environments in the U.S.

✅ Published thought leader in STEM equity and inclusive leadership

✅ Combines technical expertise in engineering and AI with human-centered learning theory

✅ Provides scalable tools and training for schools and systems leaders alike

Kendra Grinnage – Senior Consultant, Kennedy & Company

Kendra works at the intersection of strategic planning and student success. With Kennedy & Company, she helps higher education institutions improve enrollment strategies, diversity initiatives, and student services. She’s a go-to for data-driven insights that don’t lose the human touch.

✅ Strategic advisor to U.S. colleges and universities on enrollment and DEI

✅ Deep visibility in higher education through leadership roles and consultancy

✅ Blends data analytics with student success frameworks

✅ Known for aligning mission-driven strategy with measurable impact

Jeffrey Spencer, Ph.D.

Jeffrey blends years of experience in teaching, research, and instructional leadership into a consulting practice focused on systems change. His specialty? Helping schools implement sustainable, student-first academic models.

✅ U.S.-based instructional leader with a focus on sustainable systems change

✅ Thought leadership in student-first academic modeling

✅ Broad experience in K–12 leadership, research, and teacher coaching

✅ Regular collaborator with school districts seeking strategic transformation

Jean Louis

Through Louis Educational Consulting, Jean supports educational institutions with equity-centered strategy, professional development, and systems change. Temporarily based in Switzerland, Jean's education consulting career was built in the US and is still servicing US clients. He brings a powerful mix of policy knowledge and practical tools to every engagement.

✅ U.S. education roots with continued service to American schools while abroad

✅ Equity-centered strategist with strengths in professional development and policy

✅ Offers deep experience across K–12 systems and institutional change

✅ Integrates systems-level thinking with practical, tactical support

Tom Mullaney

Tom is a digital learning coach and instructional tech consultant who’s passionate about Google tools, edtech strategy, and accessibility. His blog and YouTube channel are treasure troves for educators looking to up their digital game.

✅ U.S.-based edtech strategist and digital learning coach

✅ Specializes in accessibility and effective classroom tech integration

✅ Widely followed blog and YouTube channel used by educators nationwide

✅ Recognized for his ability to translate complex tech tools into practical, inclusive learning

Rosie Hunter – Founder, TestWolf

Rosie runs TestWolf, a test prep and academic support company that’s helping students navigate standardized testing with less stress and more strategy. Her approach is pragmatic, student-centered, and fully remote-ready—a must in 2025.

✅ U.S.-based entrepreneur with a fully remote academic support platform

✅ Specializes in test prep strategies that reduce stress and improve outcomes

✅ Builds student-centered, flexible programs that meet modern learning needs

✅ A rising name in the conversation around digital-first educational support

Katie Miller – Founder, Katherine Miller Consulting

Katie focuses on higher ed communications and DEI strategy. Her work bridges internal engagement, crisis comms, and leadership messaging—areas where universities are increasingly leaning on expert guidance.

✅ U.S. higher ed expert focused on DEI, crisis comms, and leadership messaging
✅ Strategic partner to colleges and universities navigating internal change
✅ Thought leader in inclusive communications and institutional storytelling
✅ Works cross-functionally with academic and admin teams to shape culture from within

Stephen Brodbar – Co-founder, Mosaic Education

Stephen co-leads Mosaic Education, a consulting practice supporting schools with leadership development, data-informed instruction, and organizational change. He brings a collaborative, capacity-building approach that’s all about sustainability.

✅ Deeply embedded in U.S. school improvement and leadership coaching work

✅ Collaborative approach to data-driven decision making and instruction

✅ Strong footprint in sustainable change initiatives

✅ Trusted by district leaders for building internal capacity—not dependency

Dr. Vemitra White Alexander

Dr. Vemitra works with K-12 districts to improve leadership pipelines, curriculum equity, and school culture. With a deep background in education policy and administration, her impact spans rural and urban districts alike.

✅ Consultant to U.S. K–12 districts on equity, leadership, and curriculum

✅ Veteran administrator with policy experience and a systems mindset

✅ Known for uplifting rural and urban schools with nuanced, local solutions

✅ Leads with research-based practices and culturally responsive frameworks

Todd Whitaker

Todd is a legendary voice in education leadership. A former principal and professor, he’s authored dozens of books and now consults with school leaders across the country on staff motivation, school culture, and what actually works.

✅ Longstanding U.S. presence as a leader, author, and speaker in K–12 education

✅ Nationally recognized expert on school leadership, culture, and staff development

✅ High-impact consulting across all 50 states

✅ A go-to figure for education leaders navigating change and morale challenges

Adam Fletcher – Founder, Freechild Institute

A longtime advocate for youth voice in education, Adam is the founder of Freechild Institute. His consulting focuses on student engagement, community involvement, and equity—especially within public schools and community orgs.

✅ U.S.-based consultant with national reach in public schools and youth programs

✅ Specialized expertise in student engagement and community-based education

✅ Strong equity lens, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities

✅ Known for embedding youth voice in systems change work

Mike Anderson

A longtime educator and author, Mike consults on social-emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and teacher wellness. His approach is down-to-earth, teacher-tested, and always student-centered.

✅ National voice in teacher wellness, SEL, and differentiated instruction

✅ Based in the U.S. with direct coaching relationships across school districts

✅ Author and professional development leader with high classroom credibility

✅ Combines big-picture thinking with grounded, educator-tested solutions

What Makes a Great Education Consultant in 2025?

From navigating AI in classrooms to rethinking how we measure success, education consultants are doing heavy lifting behind the scenes. The best ones don’t just offer expertise—they offer clarity. They work across stakeholders, anticipate challenges, and provide the frameworks educators need to adapt, not just react.

And many of them aren’t operating from big-name firms—they’re building independent practices, one district or campus at a time.

This reflects a broader trend we’re tracking here at Digital Reference: a shift towards consulting talent. If you’re new to this model, check out our resource on Education Consultants & Academic Experts for insight into how specialized consultants are changing the game across fields.

We also recommend our guide to Hiring Independent Consultants for tactical advice on engaging education professionals the smart way.

What This Means for Schools, Startups & Systems Leaders

Hiring an education consultant used to feel like a luxury. Now, it’s a necessity—especially if you want:

Custom solutions, not one-size-fits-all programs
Advisors who understand the realities of your community
Support that’s flexible, scalable, and budget-aware

Whether you’re a superintendent, edtech founder, academic executive, or nonprofit program lead, the names above are your shortlist.

Stay Curious, Stay Connected

At Digital Reference, we believe independent professionals are a big part of the future of education reform—and we’re here to help you find the ones who fit your mission.

Bookmark this page, share it with your team, and keep an eye on our Insights section. We’ll be updating this list throughout the year as we continue to spotlight the people shaping what’s next in education.

Got someone we should know about? Reach out ( hello@digitalreference.co )—we’re always listening.

Welcome to the next era of education talent. Let’s build better, together.

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