Policy Analyst
Tierra Porter is a policy analyst at EdTrust-New York, where she supports the organization’s P-12 advocacy and research agenda through a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Her work includes conducting focus groups with families, analyzing federal and state-level education data, and contributing to policy briefs and reports aimed at improving equity in school funding, adolescent literacy, early childhood education, and college and career readiness.
Prior to joining EdTrust-New York, Tierra served as a P-12 Data Analytics Research Intern at EdTrust, where she co-presented original school funding research to national audiences and published a blog post exploring restorative justice in schools. She also brings classroom experience from her time as an 8th-grade teacher at Cesar Chavez Public Policy Charter School and has held roles in student development and DEI strategy at George Washington University, where she designed programs for student-athletes and supported Title IX policy alignment.
Originally from Alabama, Tierra holds a master’s degree in education policy from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in criminology and neuroscience from Florida Southern College, where she was a student-athlete and co-founder of multiple diversity, equity and inclusion organizations and initiatives.
Proudest Moment
While working with student-athletes at George Washington University, Tierra organized and hosted a ‘Life After Sports’ panel for over 60 attendees. The event was designed to inspire and support student-athletes in planning for life beyond collegiate athletics. The impact was clear through the positive feedback and students making powerful connections with alumni, making it a truly rewarding experience.
What drew you to education?
Tierra began her journey in education at 19 as a senior summer camp counselor, where supportive mentors empowered her to invest deeply in the children she served. That early classroom experience sparked her passion for childcare and led her to AmeriCorps and eventually to teaching 8th grade. Her commitment to education stems from a deep belief that learning opens doors—and that every child deserves the opportunity to shape their own future.
Why are you passionate about working at EdTrust-New York?
EdTrust has been dedicated to upholding educational equity at the center. Since graduate school, I have heard about their amazing research and their commitment to advocacy. I align myself fully with their clear goal and message of centering students’ success with research driven practices.
