Susana Claro

IES’ big investments to produce high quality education research among the US may not impact public opinion on these issues. We know little about how the general public forms its opinion on educational policy. This study will explore the influence that actors such as excellent teachers (as recognized by “Best Teacher” awards) can influence public opinion, as opposed to their representatives- the teacher unions- or other agents in the educational debate, like parents or public officials. Knowing whether these actors, some of which are usually left aside in the public debates, have an influence in the public will be useful for those wanting to shape education reform.