Timothy Ford

Timothy Ford, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. He serves as Program Area Coordinator for Tulsa programs and Director of the Leadership and Policy Center for Thriving Schools and Communities (THRIVE). His research focuses on teacher and leader working conditions, psychological needs, and well-being, with emphasis on policy impacts and school leadership practices. Ford earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy from Michigan State University in 2010.

Key research areas include the social organization of schools, teacher and principal well-being, and the effects of policy on educational environments. He has published in journals like Review of Educational Research and serves on editorial boards for American Educational Research Journal and International Journal of Educational Policy and Leadership.

Recent work analyzes teacher turnover trends, evaluation systems, and pandemic-era challenges for educators. His studies highlight connections between working conditions and physical/psychological well-being, advocating for systemic reforms to retain educators and improve school functioning. Collaborative projects like the Happy Teacher Project demonstrate his commitment to practical interventions supporting educator health.

Professional service includes leadership roles at OU’s Tulsa campus and contributions to state-level education policy through initiatives like Next Generation Accountability reports. His work bridges academic research with actionable strategies for improving educational systems and educator satisfaction nationwide.