Margaret Terry Orr

Margaret Terry Orr is a Professor and Division Chair at Fordham University's Graduate School of Education, directing the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy program. She joined Fordham's faculty in 2017 and has coordinated partnerships with Bronx school districts through the Carnegie Foundation's iLEAD initiative, integrating equity-focused improvement science into leadership education.

• Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy, Columbia University
• M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Policy, Columbia University
• B.A. in Sociology, Denison University

Orr specializes in mixed-methods research to evaluate educational leadership programs and policies. Her current work focuses on performance assessment systems for school leaders and inquiry-oriented leadership development to address systemic challenges in education. Earlier research examined urban school reforms and college/career readiness initiatives.

Her publications emphasize performance assessment design, leadership preparation effectiveness, and equity-driven systemic reform. Key trends include validating leadership evaluation tools, improving principal licensure, and analyzing the impact of leadership training on school outcomes.

• Edwin M. Bridges Award (UCEA, 2015)
• Distinguished Researcher Award (AERA Learning and Teaching Educational Leadership-SIG, 2008)

Orr has led major program redesigns, including Fordham's Ed.D. curriculum, and contributes to national educational leadership standards. She collaborates with state agencies like California's Department of Education and has directed dual-certification leadership programs.