Emily Gasoi

Emily Gasoi is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Education, Inquiry & Justice Program at Georgetown University, where she focuses on public education’s role in strengthening democracy. She co-founded a democratically governed public school in 1997 and authored These Schools Belong to You and Me, arguing against school privatization. Her work emphasizes equitable education systems, teacher voice, and inclusive school cultures.

A former DC State Board of Education member (2019–2023), Dr. Gasoi led policies addressing pandemic resource allocation and teacher diversity. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and has over three decades of experience as a teacher, coach, consultant, and policy advisor.

Research Focus: Her scholarship critiques market-driven education reforms and champions democratic school governance. She advocates for holistic assessment methods and policies fostering student and teacher agency, particularly in marginalized communities. Recent work explores connections between school culture and civic participation.

Teaching & Engagement: Teaches courses on critical research methods, equity-focused policy, and qualitative inquiry. Courses include 'Critical and Participatory Research Methods' and 'Comparative Equity-Focused Education Policy.' She supports initiatives to democratize school decision-making through participatory approaches.

Contributions: Co-founded the Washington Teachers Inquiry Group, emphasizing practitioner-led professional development. Authored multiple publications on democratic education, including a chapter on thematic teaching at Mission Hill School. Her articles appear in American Educator and policy journals.