Sam Comai is a dedicated education researcher with a passion for working at the intersection of policy and practice to advance equitable learning experiences for all students. With a background in teaching, research, and nonprofit work, Sam brings a practitioner’s perspective to questions of equity, access, and school improvement. Prior to joining ResearchEd, Sam was an intern at the Learning Policy Institute, where he contributed to the federal policy team and annual state teacher shortages report.

Sam began his career as a high school social studies teacher in Vermont, an experience that continues to shape his commitment to student-centered policy. He holds a master’s degree in Education Policy and Leadership from American University and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Vermont. His interests include rural education, teacher recruitment and retention, higher education, and the role of data in strengthening public education.