Benjamin Superfine

Benjamin Superfine is a Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he leads the Research on Urban Education Policy Initiative (RUEPI). His research focuses on education law and policy, examining areas such as school finance reform, standards-based accountability, teacher evaluation, and collective bargaining through interdisciplinary lenses of law, history, and social science.

• Education: PhD (2005) and JD (2003) from the University of Michigan; BA (1998) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Superfine’s research emphasizes the historical evolution of education policy and its societal impact. He explores how legal frameworks shape educational equity, particularly in urban contexts, and investigates tensions between public and private interests in education systems.

His publications span journals like the American Educational Research Journal and Teachers College Record, with books published by Oxford and Cambridge University Presses. Themes include judicial influence on education reform, teacher union dynamics, and policy regimes.

• Scientific Awards: Honoring Our Professors’ Excellence Award (2017), Critics Choice Book Award (2014), Researcher of the Year Rising Star (2012), Steven S. Goldberg Award (2009).

As founder of the Research on Urban Education Policy Initiative (RUEPI), he bridges academic research with policy practice, producing peer-reviewed briefs and organizing conferences on early childhood education, inclusion, STEM policy, and teacher workforce challenges in urban areas.