Joseph (Joey) Hedger supports the writing, editing, and production of NASBE’s publications, including the State Education Standard. He also works on the health and wellness and early childhood education policy areas, staffs NASBE’s Public Education Positions Committee, and has written on topics such as early literacy, lead in drinking water, and substance abuse. Previously, he was assistant editor at the American Correctional Association, where he edited its magazine Corrections Today and wrote on correctional programs and practices. Born and raised in Florida, Hedger moved to Virginia after receiving a bachelor’s degree in English from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Latest Contributions
Strengthening the Principal Pipeline through State Leadership Academies
By Joseph HedgerMissouri, Delaware, and North Carolina have developed evidence-based professional learning for current and prospective school leaders to increase their effectiveness and reduce turnover.
Empowering Families to Improve Youth Mental Health
By Celina Pierrottet and Joseph HedgerState education leaders can foster children’s mental health by increasing families’ preparedness and awareness of available resources and activities.
Beyond Testing for Lead in Drinking Water: Implications for Funding
By Joseph HedgerWhile most states encourage or require schools to test for lead in drinking water, funding to sustain remediation lags—despite significant federal grants designed to boost those efforts.
Georgia and Massachusetts Advance Dyslexia Screening and Intervention
By Joseph HedgerState boards can advocate for more young children to be screened for dyslexia and ensure that identified students receive effective interventions, as those in Massachusetts and Georgia have done.
Supporting School Efforts to Combat Substance Abuse
By Joseph HedgerMortality rates from overdose in adolescents rose by 94 percent in 2020, largely due to illicit fentanyl.