Anna Russo, MSOD, M.Ed.

Experience

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  Teach For America

  Jun 2010 - May 2012

  Middle School Science Teacher and 2nd Grade Teacher

  I spearheaded student growth initiatives in middle school science, positioning the program in the top 10% of Memphis City Schools by implementing innovative teaching strategies and leveraging data-driven methodologies to maximize academic performance and engagement.I achieved Level 5 Teacher status—the highest certification—through the application of advanced pedagogical practices and a commitment to leadership excellence, resulting in exceptional performance in both the first and third years of teaching.I utilized advanced data analytics to track performance, inform curriculum development, and optimize teaching strategies, directly contributing to sustained improvements in student outcomes and operational efficiency. Show less

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  Achievement School District

  Jul 2012 - Mar 2015

  I led the design and rollout of a user-centered hiring process in a high-change environment, aligning cross-functional stakeholder needs to create a smoother, more inclusive candidate experience.I introduced new decision-making frameworks and prioritization tools to streamline the recruitment process and support scalable, strategic talent planning.I built a national talent pipeline that filled 98% of roles three months ahead of schedule—accelerating team growth and minimizing costly vacancies.I optimized CRM systems to improve candidate tracking, enabling better data visibility and faster, insight-driven hiring decisions.I designed and hosted branded recruitment events that consistently met attendance goals—strengthening our employer brand and attracting high-quality candidates, all within budget.I partnered with school leaders to co-develop staffing models, culture strategies, and brand positioning—helping drive innovation and operational excellence at the local level. Show less

  • People Team

    Jul 2013 - Mar 2015

  • Founding 6th Grade Science Teacher

    Jul 2012 - Jun 2013
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  TNTP

  Apr 2013 - Aug 2013

  Summer Teacher Coach

  I led a Summer cohort to a 90% success rate —the highest across all groups—by designing and implementing innovative, outcomes-driven instructional strategies.I facilitated daily coaching and capacity-building sessions informed by data insights, elevating educator performance and improving student math outcomes.I collaborated with educators to co-develop instructional frameworks, enhance classroom management practices, and strengthen school-level communication—fostering a culture of continuous improvement.I helped build a performance-driven learning environment by setting ambitious goals and cultivating a growth mindset among both teachers and students. Show less

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  American Association for Justice

  Apr 2015 - Oct 2020

  Senior Regional Membership Manager

  I co-developed scalable learning programs to address training gaps for regional managers—helping boost national membership by 2% through stronger engagement and capability-building.I built strategic partnerships with membership stakeholders and state associations, driving a 10% annual membership increase—triple the national average—and growing membership by 39% over two years in New York.I led the full design and rollout of membership initiatives with six state partners, translating evolving member and partner needs into tailored, consumer-centered solutions that strengthened engagement and long-term value.I developed data-driven tracking systems and dashboards to monitor engagement and performance—boosting monthly member retention by 5% and supporting real-time strategic decisions. Show less

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  GeniusMesh

  Jan 2021 - May 2021

  Partnerships

  I co-led the execution of a global growth strategy that expanded partnerships with schools and businesses—driving brand visibility, strategic alignment, and long-term impact.I designed engagement systems that strengthened relationships and created more meaningful, consistent experiences across key partner touchpoints.I mapped the full partner journey to surface innovation opportunities—introducing new value and improving service delivery at critical moments.I used real-time partner insights to inform product and service development, helping teams identify unmet needs and shape scalable growth strategies. Show less

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  KnowledgeWorks

  Oct 2021 - May 2025

  Director, Community Futures

  I led the development of a strategic foresight and community engagement framework that guided foresight intitiatives in multi-year, statewide education transformation efforts across four states. This work helped align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision and delivered long-term value and sustainability beyond the life of the funded initiatives.I led cross-functional innovation projects from discovery to delivery using human-centered and service design methodologies. By embracing iterative experimentation and co-creation, I helped teams navigate ambiguity and stay aligned on outcomes that mattered.I created storytelling tools—slide decks, vision artifacts, and internal playbooks—that made complex foresight insights actionable for clients and internal teams. These assets supported the adoption of new service models and helped bridge strategy to execution.I continuously tracked emerging technologies, external trends, and systemic shifts affecting learning and education. My goal is to turn this insight into forward-looking strategies that prepare systems and people for what’s next.As a thought leader, I shared insights on future-focused pedagogy and educational innovation with domestic and international audiences—always aiming to spark new thinking and empower action.I designed and facilitated high-impact workshops using participatory innovation methods (e.g., design futures, LEGO® Serious Play®, human-centered design). These sessions help teams align around shared vision, co-create meaningful solutions, and reimagine what learning can look like. Show less