The only organization dedicated solely to helping state boards advance equity and excellence in public education.

Joseph Hedger


Joseph (Joey) Hedger, associate editor, assists in the writing, editing, and production of NASBE’s reports and the State Education Standard. 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. He also coordinated social media content for the admissions department and served as senior editor of the literary journal, Living Waters Review.


Latest Contributions

Youth in hood expelling vape smoke.Image Credit: iStock

Supporting School Efforts to Combat Substance Abuse

By Joseph Hedger

Mortality rates from overdose in adolescents rose by 94 percent in 2020, largely due to illicit fentanyl.



Image Credit: iStock

Education Drives State and Federal Elections in 2022

By Abigail Potts and Joseph Hedger

In 2022, voters across the U.S. elected 28 new state board members and nine new governors.



State Strategies to Advance Digital Equity

By Joseph Hedger

By spearheading efforts to collect data, collaborate with partners, buy digital devices and infrastructure, and reimagine effective technology use, several states have made strides toward digital equity in schools.




Young girl at fountain. Image credit: iStock

Using Federal Funds to Remediate Lead

By Joseph Hedger

This NASBE analysis highlights ways state leaders can leverage the current policy climate and available federal funds to better support school districts in lead remediation so that all children have access to clean drinking water in schools.



Image Credit: iStock

Michigan Adds Certificate for Birth to Kindergarten Teachers

By Joseph Hedger and Winona Hao

A detail of how the Michigan State Board of Education, working closely with the state education agency, is expanding opportunities to improve early educators’ preparation.