Researcher Bios:

Robert Theaker joined the Kingsbury Center in 2011 as a senior research associate. He previously served as director of data analysis for Central Michigan University’s Center for Charter Schools, where he was in charge of establishing a data warehouse, school evaluation reporting, and analysis. Prior to joining Central Michigan University, he served as the senior manager of assessment and measurement for National Heritage Academies. In this role, he led one of the most innovative and sophisticated implementations of NWEA’s Measures of Academic Progress in the United States. In Bob’s thirty-seven years of experience, he has been a statistics professor, teacher, and school administrator, and has presented numerous seminars in data-driven decision making. In addition to graduate coursework in statistics and reading, Robert holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University. 

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

My children and grandchildren are my legacy.

What do you feel is the role of education in our society?

To prepare students to become critical thinkers who have acquired the background knowledge to understand the present in light of the past, while looking to the future.

What education policy issue are you passionate about?

College readiness, as it forces educators to begin with the end in mind. What would happen if we truly rewarded learning with more learning for all students?

When was the last time you were out of the country?

If you don’t count my traveling through Canada to Buffalo, NY, I went to The Netherlands and Prague, Czech Republic in 2009.  It was fascinating to visit the Czech Republic as my wife is of Czech descent.

What do you like best about working with the Kingsbury Center team?

The diversity of the research projects as we meet the needs of our partners.