Vanessa Wolbrink

Overview

Vanessa Wolbrink is a national expert in today’s science standards and their implementation. For roughly a decade, Wolbrink applied knowledge of the latest research in science education to work with leaders to systemically improve learning experiences for students as reflected in rigorous learning goals.

Wolbrink designs and manages state, regional, and district science leadership networks and partnerships that support leaders to enact systemwide strategies that move them toward their vision for science teaching and learning. With an emphasis on high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, assessment, communications, and leadership development, Wolbrink provides guidance and best practices through professional learning experiences, technical assistance, and facilitation of resource-sharing and collaboration for leaders working to transform their science programs.

Before joining WestEd, Wolbrink worked as an associate director for the science team at Achieve, where she led several initiatives supporting the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards. Prior to that, Wolbrink served as a legislative assistant at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, where she monitored and analyzed national and state legislation, including education and nondiscrimination policy. She was also an elementary classroom teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District.

Education

• MPP, The George Washington University
• BS in sociology and women’s studies, University of Michigan

Select Publications

Sarna, J., Wolbrink, V., & Soltanzadeh, N. (2021). Authentic science experiences: Designing high school science learning to reach all students. WestEd. 

Wolbrink, V., & Sarna, J. (2020). Keep teaching science! Successful strategies to adapt K–12 science experiences for distance learning. WestEd. 

Honors, Awards, and Affiliations

Affiliate Member of the Council of State Science Supervisors

EdReports Advisory Board Member

Recent Media Appearances

• ‘Face it head on’: Connecticut makes climate change studies compulsory: The Guardian, December 17, 2022.