Julie Burnett

As the Director of Partnership and Innovation, Julie provides guidance on The Fund’s programming, strategy, and operational initiatives. Prior to joining The Fund, Julie served as the Senior Director of Education Policy for the Chicago Mayor’s Office. Julie’s professional history demonstrates a commitment to providing coherent and connected programs to maximize opportunities, promote just policies, and advocate for systems and resources committed to equitable outcomes for students.

Julie has over 20 years of experience as an educator, working in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and higher education. She has a master’s degree in learning disabilities and is a certified reading specialist who was a teacher, reading specialist, high school literacy coach, area curriculum director, high school assistant principal, and former Director of Literacy for CPS. She co-founded the Urban School Improvement Network (now called the Urban Education Institute) at the University of Chicago. It incubated and supported the opening and ongoing professional learning communities of 13 new elementary and high schools, including the University of Chicago’s Woodlawn campus. She also served as a leadership coach at the Network for College Success at the University of Chicago.

Julie graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in sociology and a master’s degree in education leadership and policy. She successfully completed her administrative and leadership training with New Leaders for New Schools, Chicago Cohort. Julie grew up on the near northside of Chicago and is a CPS graduate. She is an avid reader and enjoys life with her extensive network of family and friends.