Craig Umland

“A former principal taught me, ‘You can’t improve what you don’t measure,’ and that encapsulates my philosophy of education—we need to be able to measure our progress as educators in order to ensure that students are receiving the education they deserve. I joined the Learning Analytics program to improve my ability to collect, analyze, and communicate data so that I can contribute to improvement in the school and district setting.”

10+ YEAR EDUCATOR

Craig Umland serves as the Student Information System Specialist for the Verona Area School District, where he oversees student data systems and state reporting for a district of 6000 students. He has been in his current role since 2022. Although he was born and raised in Wisconsin, Craig discovered his passion for data and education in Philadelphia. Craig began his education career in 2014 as a substitute teacher and operations intern at KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy, and through years of tutelage from excellent educators, Craig grew into the role of Director of Data at KIPP DuBois, and later Director of Data and Academic Affairs at TECH Freire Charter School, also in Philadelphia. Craig holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

DATA NERD EXTRAORDINAIRE

Craig is passionate about learning – and that starts within himself. He takes his own professional development seriously and tries to soak up knowledge whenever learning opportunities present themselves. Craig’s passion for learning doesn’t stop with himself, however, and that is how he came to be an educator. Through his time spent in Philadelphia schools, Craig discovered a passion for using data to provide better education to his students, particularly to students who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. He likes to find unique solutions to problems, and he is always looking for ways to infect others with his enthusiasm for learning, equity, and spreadsheets.