Amber Ryerson
McMinnville
Summary
Senior data analyst with 29 years of experience in K-12 and early childhood education. Developed mixed-methods evaluation frameworks for educator workforce initiatives and school improvement efforts. Proficient in survey methodology, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and longitudinal tracking. Delivered clear, actionable insights to inform policy and enhance program effectiveness.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Data Analyst
Willamette Education Service District (WESD)
Salem
07.2017 - Current
- Oversaw data collection, analysis, and reporting for the Educator Advancement Council (EAC), ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Integrated qualitative and quantitative data to assess mentorship and professional learning outcomes, including equity of impact across educator groups.
- Produced executive-ready briefs, dashboards, and reports that informed program decisions and influenced funding and policy.
- Streamlined data systems and reporting workflows, enhancing data quality and ensuring timely access to insights.
- Facilitated stakeholder feedback sessions, translating findings into actionable recommendations that enhanced program strategies.
- Partnered with regional teams to analyze mentor/mentee experience data, including hour tracking and longitudinal trends.
- Designed inclusive, culturally responsive mixed-methods evaluation tools (surveys, interviews, focus groups, and reflection protocols).
- Led evaluation strategy for the SC2V Regional Educator Network (REN) and SB 283 Mentor Grant across districts, aligned to statewide educator workforce priorities.
Lead Project Specialist
The Research Institute, Western Oregon University
Monmouth
07.2013 - 06.2017
- Tracked goals, timelines, deliverables, and grant compliance, contributing to comprehensive evaluation plans (logic models, research questions, outcome measures) that informed strategic decision-making.
- Synthesized findings into detailed reports and presentations, identifying trends and gaps to provide actionable recommendations for program improvement.
- Developed technical assistance tools, training modules, and evaluation resources to support consistent implementation.
- Designed and fielded online surveys; monitored response patterns; conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses.
- Supported evaluation of statewide and regional initiatives across Oregon’s P–20 education system.
- Ensured data quality through rigorous validation checks and documentation, supporting stakeholder feedback processes to enhance data governance.
Director of Education
Peninsula Children’s Learning Center
Portland
01.2012 - 06.2013
- Led curriculum planning and implementation aligned with early learning standards.
- Supervised and coached 16-person staff, enhancing collaboration and instructional practices.
- Managed hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluation, fostering a strong, cohesive team.
- Directed day-to-day operations (staffing, scheduling, and program planning) to ensure safe, reliable coverage.
- Maintained compliance with state licensing requirements through monitoring, documentation, and staff accountability.
- Advanced an equity and inclusion-centered culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Strengthened family partnerships and community connections, boosting student outcomes and program enrollment.
Teacher and Education Leader
Clark County School District
Las Vegas
08.2000 - 01.2011
- Taught Pre-K through 5th grade; delivered standards-aligned instruction for diverse learners.
- Served in leadership roles including classroom teacher, Title I administrator, and mentor teacher/coordinator.
- Developed and implemented curriculum aligned with state standards and research-based practices.
- Applied MTSS and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to differentiate instruction and expand access.
- Led Title I program implementation, ensuring federal compliance and aligning initiatives with school improvement goals.
- Facilitated professional development sessions, enhancing educators' skills in inclusive instructional strategies and effective classroom practices.
- Mentored early-career educators through structured induction and coaching.
- Used student data to guide instruction, monitor progress, and plan targeted interventions.
- Established parent resource center, connecting families with academic supports and fostering community engagement.
- Built strong family and community partnerships to support student success and engagement.
Education
Ed.D. - Instructional Design & Development, Education Research
George Fox University
Newberg, OR01-2024
M.Ed. - Administration and Supervision
University of Phoenix
Las Vegas, NV01-2010
M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Education
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV01-2006
B.S. - Early Childhood and Special Education
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV01-2003
Skills
- Data quality assessment
- Data mining
- Mixed-methods research
- Instrument development
- Data reporting standards
- Research design
- Project management and facilitation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Culturally responsive analysis
Affiliations
- Coalition of Oregon School Administrators
- American Evaluation Association
- American Educational Research Association
- Association of Education Service Agencies
- Learning Forward
References
- Dr. Ella Taylor, Chief Research Officer, The Center at Willamette ESD, 503-551-3595, ella.taylor@wesd.org
- Dr. Pat Ketcham, Senior Analyst, Willamette ESD, 541-231-3601, pat.ketcham@wesd.org
- Dr. Christina Reagle, Retired Educator, 503-881-0512, creagle09@gmail.com
- Amanda Stanley, EI/ECSE Program Specialist, 503-581-8896, Mandy.stanley@ode.oregon.gov
- Suzie Barrientos, Coordinator, Regional Educator Network, Willamette ESD, 503-269-6111, suzie.barrientos@wesd.org
Professional Service And Committees
- Willamette Education Service District (WESD), Leadership Team, 2017, Present
- Willamette Education Service District (WESD), Leadership Team Planning Committee, 2022, 2024
Selected Presentations And Publications
- SB 283 Mentor Grant publications for the Educator Advancement Council (EAC): Every Hour Invested, Every Teacher Empowered; One Year of Impact, Growth, & Retention; and Cumulative Report., Ryerson, A., 2025
- Impact of South Coast to Valley (SC2V) Regional Educator Network on Educator Personal and Professional Practice: A Program Evaluation Study (Doctoral dissertation)., Ryerson, A., 2024
- Embedding Inclusive Practices in Regional Educator Network Evaluation Frameworks., Ryerson, A., 2024
- Developing Inclusive Data Systems to Strengthen Mentorship Programs., Ryerson, A., 2023
- Co-author, multiple internal evaluation reports for state-wide educator workforce initiatives., Ryerson, A.
Timeline
Senior Data Analyst
Willamette Education Service District (WESD)
07.2017 - Current
Lead Project Specialist
The Research Institute, Western Oregon University
07.2013 - 06.2017
Director of Education
Peninsula Children’s Learning Center
01.2012 - 06.2013
Teacher and Education Leader
Clark County School District
08.2000 - 01.2011
Ed.D. - Instructional Design & Development, Education Research
George Fox University
M.Ed. - Administration and Supervision
University of Phoenix
M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Education
University of Nevada Las Vegas
B.S. - Early Childhood and Special Education
University of Nevada Las Vegas