Brenner serving as policy fellow for Cochran
Devon Brenner
A College of Education administrator at Mississippi State is beginning work as an education policy fellow for U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran.
Devon Brenner, head of the curriculum, instruction and special education department, recently joined the Mississippi Republican's office staff to provide expertise and insights on upcoming education bills now making their way through Congress.
Brenner is a specialist in literacy curriculum and teaching at the elementary- and middle-school levels, as well as teacher education and professional development in literacy. For the past few years, she and other colleagues in the college and its CISE department have been focusing research on rural education.
Janice Nicholson is serving as interim department head during her absence.
Brenner said three pieces of legislation expected to have a large impact on Mississippi include the Elementary and Secondary Education, Higher Education and Individuals with Disabilities Education acts.
"Some policies (in the bills) may not consider the unique needs of small rural schools and I'm hoping to be able to help think about these issues, among others," the Michigan State University doctoral graduate said. "My role as fellow will be to consider the impact of various policies and offer insight to Senator Cochran."
During her time on Capitol Hill, Brenner said she also hopes "to learn as much as I can about the policy process and about resources that can support the university, teacher education and K-12 learning."
For more information about the fellowship, contact Brenner at devon_brenner@cochran.senate.gov.
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Paige Watson | College of Education
