Jo MacDonald

Jo is a senior researcher at NZCER. Since joining NZCER Jo has led or contributed to evaluation teams including projects within the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) evaluation and the multi-year evaluation of the Teach First NZ programme pilot. Jo has a keen interest in evaluation methodologies, working with clients to meet their evaluation and research needs, and using mixed-methods to answer evaluation and research questions. Jo's research interests are wide-ranging, and at NZCER she has worked on projects in special education, prison education, initial teacher education, and student health and wellbeing. In addition to her role as a senior researcher, Jo leads NZCER's coordination of the Teaching and Learning Research Initiative (TLRI). Jo has 20 years experience in education and educational research, including a decade working in research and evaluation in the government sector in New Zealand and Scotland. In the government setting she has managed portfolios of research and evaluation projects in curriculum implementation, middle schooling, Pasifika education, special education, and early childhood education. Jo has an MA in Education (first class), a BA in Sociology, and a Diploma of Teaching (Primary).