Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Allison Tikkanen

Allison Tikkanen

Denver,CO

Summary

Highly experienced Program Specialist with a Master of Public Policy, and a strong focus on advancing educational equity. Expertise in coordinating and managing complex, grant-funded projects, developing educational materials and assessments, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to deliver actionable insights and drive the implementation of innovative education policies. Research-driven and highly organized work approach, characterized by articulate communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Specialist

edCount, LLC
04.2022 - Current
  • Grant-Funded Projects: Coordinated and supported the SIPS (Stackable, Instructionally-embedded, Portable Science) and CASCIA (Coherence and Alignment among Science Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment) projects, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with educational standards.
  • Science Assessments: Played a key role in developing high-quality science assessments that address evolving challenges in education, contributing to the creation of resources that empower educators and engage students.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaged with state partners, organizational stakeholders, and educators to implement innovative assessment systems, ensuring relevance and coherence in science education.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Managed pilot studies, collected and analyzed data, and provided actionable insights to improve the effectiveness of educational materials and assessments.
  • Reporting: Submitted detailed monthly reporting entries, documenting project progress, milestones, and key metrics for both SIPS and CASCIA projects.

Regional Director & Political Affairs Intern

The Borgen Project
09.2020 - 05.2021
  • Legislative Advocacy: Lobbied for poverty reduction legislation, met with congressional offices, and mobilized support for key bills.
  • Fundraising & Community Engagement: Managed and implemented fundraising campaigns, built a network of engaged supporters, and represented the organization at various events.

Policy Intern

African Community Learning Program
09.2020 - 04.2021
  • Research & Policy Development: Conducted research on culturally responsive and anti-racist teaching, prepared surveys, and contributed to policy briefs for Philadelphia's elected officials.
  • Organizational Support: Assisted in drafting and editing organizational bylaws and categorized research by topic to support the program's mission.

Site Coordinator

AmeriCorps VISTA
Washington, DC
07.2018 - 05.2019
  • Program Management: Managed daily operations of a reading center, tutored students, coached community members, and administered assessments to improve literacy for at-risk children.

Lead Preschool Teacher

Tutor Time Childcare
Minneapolis, MN
10.2016 - 10.2017
  • Curriculum Development: Created and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum, developed relationships with parents and educators, and observed children for developmental issues.

Education

Master of Arts - Public Policy

American University
Washington, D.C.
05.2021

Bachelor of Arts - Child Development & Psychology

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
05.2016

Skills

  • Project Management
  • Education Policy Research
  • Data Analysis and Reporting
  • Curriculum Development and Assessment
  • Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication
  • Fundraising and Community Engagement
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Proficient in Google Workspace
  • Proficient in Smartsheet

Timeline

Program Specialist

edCount, LLC
04.2022 - Current

Regional Director & Political Affairs Intern

The Borgen Project
09.2020 - 05.2021

Policy Intern

African Community Learning Program
09.2020 - 04.2021

Site Coordinator

AmeriCorps VISTA
07.2018 - 05.2019

Lead Preschool Teacher

Tutor Time Childcare
10.2016 - 10.2017

Master of Arts - Public Policy

American University

Bachelor of Arts - Child Development & Psychology

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities