Posted on by arotherham

Susan Traiman

The education world lost a quiet and steely friend this week with the passing of Susan Traiman. In addition to consulting work her career included time at the Department of Education, the Business Roundtable, and the National Governors Association and she was a steady hand behind the scenes on many national school improvement moments of the past four decades. She was also a tireless advocate for the idea that American business could be involved productively in efforts to improve the quality of schools and a fun sparring partner about the limits of that idea. Most importantly she was generous with her time and expertise and patient with people coming into the field. She’ll be missed.

2 Replies to “Susan Traiman”

  1. It was a pleasure to work for and with Susan when she headed up the BRT’s education initiative. She was smart,strategic, thoughtful, and fun to be with. The ideas and, even more important, the coalition that made for the most effective period of reform of our education system in the 2000s are due in no small measure to her good work. Yes, she will be missed.

  2. Sad news indeed. I got to know Susan at OERI in the 80s and early 90s, and our paths crossed often in the years since. She was smart, thoughtful and exceedingly generous as a colleague. And fun! Even in the midst of the wonkiest discussions Susan could always find a giggle. I concur with Sandy’s comment above; her persistence and strategic thinking had terrific impact at a crucial time. A real loss for the ed-reform movement and the kids we serve.

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