We live in a fast-moving world driven by knowledge, innovation and creativity. Our nation’s schools are adapting to these changes—but much remains to be done. We need a culture change in public education to transform the way we teach, lead and learn.
Education First can help. We are a mission-driven strategy and policy organization with unique and deep expertise in education improvement. We partner with practitioners, policymakers, funders and advocates to navigate through complexity to create more people-focused, equitable and inclusive initiatives, strategies and organizations.
Learn About Our Services
We offer our clients a seasoned team of trusted advisors to deliver what many Americans want most: public education that effectively prepares all students for success in college, careers and a world of constant change.
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Learn About Our Focus Areas
We are passionate about supporting all children, particularly Black, Indigenous and other students of color and students living in low-income communities, toward a world of opportunity where they can pursue their passions and experience success.
Meet Our People

Ila Deshmukh Towery, Partner
Ila leads with an equity lens on a range of issues including equity in measurement and assessment, anti-racist whole child development, college and career readiness and innovative and equitable learning environments. A first-generation American and woman of color, Ila is driven by a belief that building a better, more effective and more responsive system for students of color and students...
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Check out our latest thinking on timely topics and issues, and relevant resources that can inform your work right away.
Our Latest Thinking
We offer our clients a seasoned team of trusted advisors to deliver what many Americans want most: public education that effectively prepares all students for success in college, careers and a world of constant change.
