Meet Heather Lechner, TAF Executive Director of Education

Heather Lechner
Executive Director of Education

Heather Lechner is the Executive Director of Education for TAF.  In this role she is charged with leading a team to ensure that students in underserved communities have access to rigorous and relevant learning experiences connected to the STEM field as well as the support, development and retention of teachers and leaders of color through the Network for Edwork.

Prior to this role, Heather was the Associate Director of Special Services for Everett Public Schools in Everett, WA. Before she transitioned to district administration she served as a founding school leader in two Type 5 turnaround charter schools in New Orleans, LA. In each of these schools, she led the schools in bolstering academic growth an average of 30 points within the first two years.

Over the course of her 25 years in education, Heather has prioritized leading and serving in marginalized communities. Her passion for equity is firmly rooted in a belief that all students should have access to a quality education that cultivates a love of learning through exploration and access to varied opportunities.

She also holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Teachers College at Columbia University. She holds an M.Ed. from Teachers College at Columbia University, an M.F.A. from Wayne State University, and a B.A. from Lewis and Clark College. But her greatest accomplishment is her daughter who also works in education.

Updated on January 9, 2023