Alissa Peltzman

Alissa began collaborating with Education Strategy Group in 2016, supporting the organization’s college and career readiness strategy. Alissa is currently playing a high impact role providing technical assistance to support the Career Readiness Initiative (CRI) as well as working to increase collaboration between K-12 and higher education through state ESSA implementation planning.

Alissa has worked with state education leaders across sectors and states to close expectation and preparation gaps. In addition to collaborating with ESG, Alissa has been working as an independent consultant, supporting college-and career-ready policy development and implementation, working with organizations including the Aspen Institute, the Council of Chief State School Officers and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
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Previously, Alissa spent more than 10 years at Achieve, most recently serving as the Vice President of State Policy and Implementation Support. Prior to joining Achieve, Alissa spent three years teaching elementary school in DC through Teach for America. Prior to teaching, she served as the Public Policy Fellow at Hillel’s International Center.

Alissa earned an Ed.M. in Leadership, Policy and Politics at Teachers College, Columbia University and a B.A. at Washington University in St. Louis. Alissa resides in Montgomery County, Maryland with her husband and three children.

Why are you in this work?

I believe all students deserve college-and career-ready expectations. Far too often readiness gaps stem from gaps in expectation and preparation. Policy design, effective implementation and a steadfast commitment to both excellence and continuous commitment can change this paradigm. I remain motivated by the contrast between my own public school experiences and those I witnessed as a teacher. I carry the powerful images of my students rising to the challenge and exceeding expectations.

Why ESG?

In a word, “people.” The ESG team brings integrity, passion and an unwavering commitment to quality.