Samantha Cohen Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer SOE Faculty

Degrees: BA, Political Science, University of Pennsylvania

EdLD, Harvard Graduate Baker School of Education
Bio: Samantha teaches, coaches, and mentors in American University Baker School of Education's doctoral studies. She is responsible for launching the inaugural, practitioner based doctoral program in education leadership and policy, focused on antiracism, community, and transformation.

She started her career as a first grade teacher in Atlanta, working with students and families to build partnerships and future pathways. Samantha believes education ought to unlock potential, rather than serve as a gatekeeper.

Samantha has worked as an instructional coach, district administrator, charter staff member, foundation leader, and served in adjunct roles in higher education. The unifying elements across her career are teaching, building generational leadership, learning, and deepening her awareness of equity.

Samantha is a proud mom to her son. The challenge of being a mom is teaching Samantha to continually remain in learning mode.

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Teaching