Rebecca Winthrop

Rebecca Winthrop is a leading global authority in education. She is the director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, where she leads global studies on how to better support children’s learning, and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.

Before joining Brookings, Winthrop spent more than a decade with the International Rescue Committee, where she oversaw education programs in conflict-affected countries and contributed to the development of global standards for education in emergencies.

Winthrop has advised governments, international organizations, and corporations on education policy and has served as chair of the United Nations Secretary General’s Global Education First Initiative’s Technical Advisory Group. She is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and has authored several books on education, including "The Disengaged Teen" and "Leapfrogging Inequality."

Her work has appeared in media outlets such as BBC, NPR, and Financial Times, where she shares insights on education innovation and policy. As a public speaker, Winthrop addresses global education challenges and solutions, drawing on her experience in convening task forces and advising on education initiatives. Through research and advocacy, Winthrop promotes approaches to education that emphasize equity, relevance, and innovation.