Dr. Dana Godek is a trusted advisor and national expert in educational policy and strategy with over 30 years of experience across K-20 leadership and public service. As CEO of EduSolve, Dana partners with school systems to tackle complex challenges, guiding them to stay ahead of emerging trends through data-driven insights and strategic foresight. Her background includes pivotal roles as Chief of Strategy, Chief Communications Officer, and Chief of Staff in both district and state leadership roles. Dana also teaches in higher education, advises state leaders, and contributes to University Business magazine.
Dana’s SCIP model—focused on Systems, Culture, Instruction, and People—drives EduSolve’s work, equipping districts to achieve measurable improvements across every layer of their organizations. Named among District Administration’s ‘Top 100 Influencers in Education,’ she also serves on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, shaping national conversations on educational leadership.
In Daisies Pushing Up, Dana draws on her personal experiences in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, exploring resilience and purpose—qualities she brings to her work with school districts. Dana holds a doctorate in organizational leadership with a specialization in public policy and is a Certified Fundraising Executive, supporting sustainable district strategies and financial growth.
Dana’s Recent Publication Citations:
Godek, D., Miller, A., Tucker, A., Steele, L. (2023). State Bright Spots: SEL and the American Rescue Plan. Chicago: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning.
Atwell, M., Bridgeland, J., Dermody, C. M., Godek, D., Dusenbury, L., Greenberg, M., Solberg, S.H., and Kroyer-Kubicek, R. (2022). Educating Future-Ready Students. Chicago: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning.
Schreiber, K., Solberg, V.S., Kroyer-Kubicek, R., Dermody, C., Godek, D., Dusenbury, L., Greenberg, M., Cross, R., Clark, N., Reed, K., & Smith, S. (2022). Kansas: A Vision for Integrating SEL with Career and Workforce Development for Students. Coalition for Career Development (CCD) Center.
Curtis, G., Solberg, V.S., Kroyer-Kubicek, R., Dermody, C., Godek, D., Dusenbury, L., Greenberg, M., Cross, R., Lawler, T., & Stoner-Torbet, L. (2022) Delaware: Partnerships Integrate SEL with Career and Workforce Development to Define a New Generation of Learners. Coalition for Career Development (CCD) Center.
Kroyer-Kubicek, R., Solberg, V.S., Dermody, C., Godek, D., Dusenbury, L., Greenberg, M., Smith, K., & LeSage, T. (2022) Wisconsin: Regional Career Pathways Link SEL to Career and Workforce Development. Coalition for Career Development (CCD) Center.
Dermody, C., Dusenbury, L., Greenberg, M., Godek, D., Connor, P., Cross, R., Martinez-Black, T., Solberg, S., Kroyer-Kubicek, R., Atwell, M., Bridgeland, J. (2022). A Developmental Framework for the Integration of Social and Emotional Learning and Career and Workforce Development.
Jackson, D., Wolforth, S., Airhart, K., Bowles, A., Godek, D. & Conner, P. (2021). Integrating Social and Emotional Learning Within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports to Advance Equity. Council of Chief State School Officers.
Yoder, N., Martinez-Black, T., Dermody, C., Godek, D., & Dusenbury, L. (2021) Systemic Social and Emotional Learning for States: Theory of Action.
Yoder, N., Atwell, M.N., Godek, D., Dusenbury, L., Bridgeland, J.M., & Weissberg, R. (2020) Preparing Youth for the Workforce of Tomorrow: Cultivating Social and Emotional Skills Employers Demand. Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotion Learning, Chicago, IL.
Yoder, N., Posamentier, J., Godek, D., Seibel, K., & Dusenbury, L. (2020) From Response to Reopening: State Efforts to Elevate Social and Emotional Learning During the Pandemic Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, Chicago, IL.
