Our Team
Our Program
In the landmark study reported in The Teaching Gap (1999), Stigler and Hiebert argued that Lesson Study, as a continuous improvement model, can provide a much-needed path to better teaching. Lesson Study has its origins in Japan, dating back to the early 1900s. It is now well-established as a method of pre-service and in-service teacher training and is practiced in schools around the world.
Texas Lesson Study began in 2016 and is part of TEA's effort to improve teacher training and support. Since that initial pilot year, Lesson Study has expanded to positively impact thousands of teachers and students across Texas.
Our Team
Blair Claussen
Texas Education AgencyDirector of Educator Recruitment and Development
Blair Claussen is the Director of the Educator Recruitment and Development division at the Texas Education Agency where she supports teacher-driven professional-development programs and grant programs that aim to build sustainable teacher pipelines. Before her work at TEA, Blair was a fifth-grade math and science teacher in Taylor, Texas. Blair began her educational career during her studies at the University of Chicago and internships in Chicago Public Schools where she first experienced Lesson Study.
Beth Burkhart
Texas Education AgencyProgram Manager, Educator Support
Beth Burkhart, Program Manager Educator Support. Beth is a National Board Certified teacher with 13 years of classroom experience. She has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Education and, as a recipient of the Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching, Beth studied teacher induction and mentoring in New Zealand. Before joining the Agency, Beth taught sixth-grade math in Austin, TX.
Alissa Rhee
Texas Education AgencyEducator Support Specialist
Alissa Rhee is an Educator Support Specialist who supports and collaborates with ESC staff implementing Texas Lesson Study in professional learning communities across the state of Texas. Before joining the Agency, Alissa taught 11th and 12th grade Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate English in Dallas. In addition to teaching, she also served as the English Department Chair, Senior Class Faculty Advisor, and host teacher for a resident in Urban Teachers.
Our Partners
Education Service Centers
The education service centers (ESCs) are key partners in this work. These ESCs work closely with teacher teams and district and campus leaders across the state to implement the Lesson Study process in professional learning communities.
