Overview
Tori Ballew is a program manager in the Center for Education Systems at WestEd, where she provides professional development and technical assistance to school systems seeking to strengthen instructional and student support systems. Her work focuses on helping districts design and implement sustainable improvements in instruction, student support, and organizational coherence.
Ballew leads the development and delivery of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) implementation and Special Education System Reviews, partnering with districts and schools nationwide to evaluate systems, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop strategic action plans. She employs multiple methods of data collection and analysis—including document review, classroom observation, interest holder engagement, and systems analysis—to support collaborative teams in developing and implementing complex improvement plans that improve outcomes for all students.
Prior to joining WestEd, Ballew worked as both a general and special education teacher and held district-level leadership roles in rural and urban school systems. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in special education, classroom management, behavior, and intervention strategies. Throughout her career, Ballew has remained committed to advancing high-quality educational environments through data-informed decision-making, collaborative leadership, and continuous improvement.
Education
- EdS in educational leadership and policy analysis, University of Missouri-Columbia
- MEd in curriculum and instruction, University of Missouri-Columbia
- BA in education, Columbia College
- BA in political science, University of Missouri-Columbia