Michael Brickman Joins IRG as Senior Fellow in Education

Feb 26, 2021 | Mentions, Press Release

Madison, Wis. — Michael Brickman, a former policy official at the U.S. Department of Education and Gov. Walker policy advisor, has joined the Institute for Reforming Government as a senior fellow, focusing on public policy research and analysis in K-12 education, higher education, and workforce development.

“All Wisconsinites deserve an equal opportunity to realize the American Dream. Yet, our education system – at all levels – leaves way too many people behind.  Wisconsin’s racial achievement gap is the worst in the nation, our rural schools struggle mightily, and our higher education and technical college system are not preparing students for the jobs needed by employers,” said CJ Szafir, president of IRG. “With a policy background in school choice and higher education in the federal government, Wisconsin government, and think tank world, Michael will be instrumental to IRG’s goal of improving educational outcomes for all Wisconsinites.”

Over the last four years, Michael Brickman was a senior advisor for Secretary Betsy DeVos at the U.S. Department of Education. Prior to joining the Dept. of Education, Michael was national policy director of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, where he focused on empowering parents and as education policy advisor for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

“I am looking forward to partnering with IRG and joining in their mission of developing meaningful education reforms that benefit Wisconsin students,” said Michael Brickman, principal at Sheer Partners. “Together, we will work to develop K-12 education, higher education, and workforce development policies so that Wisconsin students and families can prepare now for the jobs of tomorrow.”

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