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Dr. Osnat Zaken is an accomplished educator, researcher, and leader in the field of education finance, administration, and assessment. With a robust academic background and extensive professional experience, Dr. Zaken has made significant contributions to the field through her scholarly research, teaching, and administrative roles.
Currently serving as the Director of Analytics & Data Management/Director of Assessment at Touro University's Graduate School of Education in New York City since 2008, Dr. Zaken plays a pivotal role in ensuring institutional compliance with accreditation standards and reporting requirements. Her responsibilities include supporting program reviews, completing state and federal reports for governmental agencies, and fostering a "culture of evidence" for data-based decision-making. Dr. Zaken's expertise extends to accreditation processes, program evaluation, and statistical analysis. In addition to her administrative role, Dr. Zaken holds a position as an Associate Professor of Education and Special Education at Touro University, where she engages in scholarly research, teaches courses, coordinates program development activities, and advises students. Her dedication to education extends beyond higher education institutions, as she previously served as a Teacher and then Assistant Principal within the New York City Department of Education, overseeing grant administration, budgeting, school safety, and personnel management.
Dr. Zaken's scholarly contributions are extensive, with numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapter, and presentations at national and international conferences. Her research focuses on education finance, state-level budget analysis, and policy implications for educational equity and improvement. She is an active member of various professional organizations, serving on editorial advisory boards, conference committees, and as a reviewer for academic journals and accreditation bodies. Throughout her career, Dr. Zaken has received several awards and honors, including the Annual Economics and Finance of Education Special Interest Group (EFE SIG) Award, recognition as a Distinguished Research & Practice Fellow by the National Education Finance Academy, and appointments as an accreditation lead reviewer for the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Most recently Dr. Zaken was invited to serve as the Associate Editor of the international division of the Journal of Education Finance and Law.
With her multidisciplinary expertise, passion for education, and commitment to evidence-based practice, Dr. Osnat Zaken continues to be a driving force in shaping educational policies, fostering excellence in teaching and learning, and advocating for equitable access to quality education for all students. Her illustrious career exemplifies her unwavering dedication to improving education systems and fostering equitable opportunities for all learners. Through her scholarship, leadership, and service, she continues to inspire positive change in the field of education.
Education
Dr. Zaken earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Education Administration & Supervision with a specialization in Education Finance from St. John's University in Queens, NY, in June 2006. Her dissertation, titled "Experts' Views on Revenue Options to Implement the Campaign for Fiscal Equity Court Decision," underscored her expertise in education finance and policy, earning her Summa Cum Laude honors. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Zaken completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics and Finance at Brooklyn College, City University of New York, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Brooklyn College.
