Sylvia Bagley

Sylvia Bagley (she/her/they) is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Washington College of Education, where she directs the Instructional Leadership master's specialization within Teaching, Learning & Curriculum. Previously, she held the Fritz Burns Endowed Chair in Instructional Leadership at Mount St. Mary's University (now University) in Los Angeles, managing teacher-leadership programs and credentialing initiatives. Her career spans culturally responsive teaching in Los Angeles Unified School District, serving as English Learner Coordinator and Instructional Math Coach.

• Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Philosophy and History of Education from UCLA, California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from San Marcos, and B.A. in Literature and Music from UC Santa Cruz

Bagley’s research focuses on teacher leadership and equity-driven educational reform, particularly through anti-bias, anti-racist practices and global citizenship education. She examines qualitative research methods in policy analysis and transformative assessment models like narrative evaluations. Her work bridges institutional policy with classroom practice.

Her publications reveal consistent engagement with globalization in education, teacher leadership frameworks, and equity-focused pedagogy. Key themes include professional learning communities, hybrid leadership models, and alternative assessment systems across K-12 and higher education contexts.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2nd place CIES HESIG Best Book Award (2010) for work on global competition in higher education
  • CIES Higher Education SIG Best Book Award (2010) for research on Scandinavian folk high schools

Bagley facilitates university-school district partnerships including Kent, Northshore, and Seattle Teacher Residency programs. She actively engages in community-based educational initiatives through University Beyond Bars and serves on boards including the Folk Education Association of America.