Will Jordan

Will Jordan arrived at Wallace in 2022 and manages the foundation’s portfolio of research grants in Education Leadership.

​​A former professor of urban education at Temple University, he brings to the foundation deep expertise in empirical research to strengthen school leadership and to enhance policy development to improve the conditions of education for all students. Jordan’s work seeks to bridge theory, research, and practice, and he has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and coauthored a book on improving urban high schools. His scholarship includes “Defining equity: Multiple perspectives to analyzing the performance of diverse learners” in Review of Research in Education, and “Teacher preparation and performance in high-needs urban schools: What matters to teachers” in Teaching and Teacher Education.

Throughout his career, Jordan actively engaged in and partnered with communities across diverse contexts. He collaborated with the School District of Philadelphia on its System of Great Schools initiative, and he is a current member and former president of the board of directors of Big Picture Philadelphia, a national organization that runs two Philadelphia high schools, El Centro del Estudiantes and Vaux Big Picture High School.

Jordan earned his Ph.D. in sociology and education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He has an M.A. in political science, with a concentration in public administration, and a B.A. in sociology, both from Stony Brook University. He is a proud native of Brooklyn and completed his K- 12 education in New York City public schools. Jordan sees himself as “runner emeritus” who twice completed the Philadelphia Marathon, along with dozens of half marathons and 10-milers. Although he still enjoys running, he no longer runs as far or as fast.