David Osher’s work focuses on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and social conditions that support robust learning, thriving, and equity. His work embodies the science of learning and development; socio-cultural-historical processes; the conditions for learning, engagement, and thriving; consumer-driven approaches; equity; cultural responsiveness; intra-agency, interagency, interdisciplinary, and cross stakeholder collaboration; school and community safety; school and community safety; restorative and community-building approaches; and implementation science. He was an Institute Fellow and Vice President at AIR, where he led national centers; evaluations and surveys; district/organizational audits; systematic reviews; expert panels; and the development of school climate surveys, SEL assessments, planning, and progress-monitoring tools and dashboards, and consulted with ministries of education, states, school districts, schools, and community organizations. Before coming to AIR, he taught and served as dean of an experimental liberal arts college and two community-focused schools of human service. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Education, a Fellow of AERA, and a fellow at the Education Collaboratory at Yale University, the EASEL Lab at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and the Learning Lab at the University of Queensland. His recent books include The Science of Learning and Development; Keeping Students Safe and Helping Them Thrive; and Creating Safe, Equitable, Engaging Schools.
