About ERDI

Transforming PK-12 Public Education for 40 Years

The Education Research & Development Institute (ERDI) is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and impactful forum where national thought leaders collaborate to discuss, design, and shape the PK-12 education experience.

We champion equitable, high-quality learning opportunities for all students, preparing them to become productive and empowered stewards of the future.

Our Mission

We create an environment where innovation, expertise, and meaningful dialogue converge to drive impactful solutions for students, schools, and districts.

Since 1985, founded on the visionary leadership of Dr. Mike Kneale, ERDI has served as a national platform for education leaders and solution providers to collaborate on addressing the most pressing challenges in PK-12 education.

ERDI brings together district and industry leaders from across the United States to share expertise, insights, and feedback, informing the development of products and services that support PK-12 education. Through a dynamic mix of research and development panels, think tanks, symposiums, roundtables, and professional learning opportunities, ERDI empowers its members to shape the future of education.

With a nomination-based membership, ERDI is recognized for convening the nation’s top talent in education and fostering collaboration among leaders and innovators.

Our Approach

Our unique approach provides Education Leaders and Solution Providers with unparalleled opportunities to explore, analyze, and co-create solutions to today’s educational challenges. Leaders from over 400 districts nationwide contribute expert insights, helping shape the design and refinement of education products and services while addressing critical needs.

ERDI’s commitment to non-transactional collaboration and its focus on advancing education through trust, innovation, and mutual respect set it apart as a leader in the field.

ERDI engagements are structured to:

  • Enable Education Leaders to influence the development of products and services that align with district needs.

  • Provide professional development and growth experiences for leaders.

  • Share cutting-edge developments in educational theory, practice, and technology.

  • Tackle current problems of practice collaboratively.

  • Create spaces for meaningful dialogue and partnership among district and industry leaders.

What ERDI Does Not Do:

  • Promote specific organizations or products participating in ERDI events.

  • Expect Education Leaders to purchase any products or services.

  • Enter into contracts with school districts or receive compensation from them.

  • Act as a vendor or advocate for any specific solution provider.

At ERDI, we are committed to fostering meaningful collaboration that drives positive change in education and society.

We deeply value the expert insights and knowledge that Education Leaders contribute to our essential R&D work, shaping innovative solutions to address the most pressing challenges in PK-12 education.

In alignment with our non-transactional approach, Education Leaders do not receive compensation for their participation in ERDI events. Instead, to honor their invaluable contributions, ERDI proudly supports a variety of non-profit organizations. This commitment reflects our dedication to creating lasting social impact, empowering both leaders and students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

The Team

  • Jennifer Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer | Education Research and Development Institute

    Jennifer Ferrari, Ed.D

    Chief Executive Officer & President

    + Read Bio
  • Jaime Barraza, Chief Education Officer | Educational leadership programs

    Jaime Barraza

    Chief Education Officer

    + Read Bio
  • Mike Hubbard, Executive Director | Education leadership programs

    Mike Hubbard

    ​Executive Director of ERDI Partnerships

    + Read Bio
  • Jeff McCoy, Future Executive Leader | Educational research institute

    Jeff McCoy

    Joining Fall 2025

    + Read Bio
  • Jessica Weinberg, Chief Operating Officer | Education R&D

    Jessica Weinberg

    Chief Operating Officer

    + Read Bio

Our Community

 Our success is built on a community of education experts, strategic collaborators, and dedicated advisors

Testimonials

  • “ERDI panels play a critical role in our research, learning and development culture-- applauding or redirecting in equal measure for real-world, educator-centric, perpetual improvement. We have never walked away from an institute without having learned something of great value through the feedback afforded at ERDI.”

    – Elizabeth Bassford, VP of Content & Integration, Curriculum Associates

  • “ERDI is one of the highlights of our event calendar - we look forward to engaging with this community because of the feedback we get here..”

    – Mike Discenza, Chief Technology Officer, SchooLinks

  • “ERDI provides a wonderful forum to meet regularly with administrators and build relationships that establish an important level of understanding and trust. ERDI makes you feel you are part of a family.”

    – Lisa Schmucki, CEO, EdWeb

Contact Us

Join the ERDI Community and help transform PK-12 Education.