Tracy Steffes became Chair of Brown's Department of Education in the 2018-2019 academic year. As she prepares to step down and transition the role to incoming Chair Lindsay Page, Steffes reflected on her tenure.
A Vision for Renewal
When Steffes stepped into the role of chair, she led the department through a process of self-study and strategic planning. That process resulted in significant programmatic changes across the department's degree programs, an expansion of its faculty and budget, and a restructuring of its governance and staffing.
"We spent several years implementing these changes and making adjustments, with the most significant changes in MAT," Steffes said. "I am really proud of what we accomplished working together and thinking about how to build on our strengths. Change can be hard and a lot of work for everyone, but I think we emerged much stronger from it."
Looking back, Steffes points to the department's external review as a particular point of pride. In 2024-2025, an external review committee of leading education scholars and deans of education delivered a very positive report.
Professor Andrea Flores notes that Steffes’ collaborative approach made all the difference during this period of transition. “Tracy brought the faculty together to build our programs in exciting new ways. She didn't just hand down a strategy; she made it collaborative,” Professor Flores said. “The successful external review was a direct reflection of her leadership and the careful work of creating a shared vision among faculty.”
A Foundation Built on People
As the department enters its next phase of leadership, Steffes pointed to the people who make up the Brown Education community.
"Our greatest strength as a department is our people — students, faculty, staff, and alumni — who are passionate about education and committed to improving and equalizing it in the world through research, teaching, and service," Steffes said. "This shared mission connects us, drives us, and shapes everything we do. I hope the next chair finds new ways to fulfill this mission to deepen our impact in the world and support and strengthen our community."
Members of the department's administrative team felt that support deeply. Leah Meyer, Academic Department Manager, shared how Tracy empowered the staff: “Tracy always recognized that the logistics and community-building behind the scenes are what keep the academic programs running. She made sure staff had a voice in shaping the department's daily life.”
What's Next
While she is stepping down as chair, Steffes is looking forward to returning her attention to research. She will be on sabbatical this coming year working on a new historical book project examining for-profit business activity in K-12 education.
Steffes said, "I am really looking forward to getting to the archives. It has been a long time since I started a new, big project, and this early phase of exploration and discovery is very fun!"
A Note of Gratitude
Steffes closed her reflections with thanks to her colleagues. "I am really grateful to the Education Department faculty and staff for all of their support, hard work, and service over the past eight years in support of our students and our mission," she said. "I am constantly inspired by and grateful for the amazing work that my colleagues do."
Her colleagues share that gratitude. “Tracy gave eight years of tireless stewardship to the Education Department,” said Professor John Papay. “She worked incredibly hard to help the Department grow and ensure that we continued to make progress towards our mission. She leaves big shoes to fill!”