Megan Rauch Griffard

Megan Rauch Griffard is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), affiliated with the College of Education and the Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education. Her research focuses on teacher retention, vacancies, and turnover; K-12 school finance; and the impact of crises, natural disasters, pandemics, and other disruptions on schooling. She also investigates personnel working conditions in schools and the influence of state government on K-12 education.

• Education: Ph.D. in Education (Policy, Leadership, and School Improvement) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; M.S. from Northwestern University; M.Ed. from UNLV; B.A. from Boston College.

Griffard’s work addresses critical challenges in education policy, particularly how school leaders manage workforce stability and fiscal resources during systemic disruptions. Her research has been published in journals by the American Educational Research Association, Oxford University, Children and Youth Services Review, and The International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.

She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and policy papers, delivered 15 national conference presentations, and engaged with 13 local education stakeholders. In 2023, she received the Dissertation of the Year award from the American Educational Research Association's Leadership for School Improvement group.

• Scientific Awards: Dissertation of the Year award (AERA, 2023).

At UNLV, Griffard teaches courses preparing future school leaders to manage human and fiscal resources effectively. Her advocacy extends to addressing teacher shortages and ensuring equitable school funding, particularly in contexts affected by pandemics or natural disasters.