Graduate Program in Public Policy Alumni Profiles
Anthony Vincent LeClair
Summer 2015 Archer Fellow
Internship: U.S. Department of Education
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. Education Policy
The University of Texas at San Antonio
B.A. Philosophy, B.A. Classical Studies; May 2007
Career
Founder and Executive Director at The Texas School Directory
Data Specialist, United Teachers Los Angeles
Summer 2015 Archer Fellow
Internship: U.S. Department of Education
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. Education Policy
The University of Texas at San Antonio
B.A. Philosophy, B.A. Classical Studies; May 2007
Career
Founder and Executive Director at The Texas School Directory
Data Specialist, United Teachers Los Angeles
“My summer with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development opened up so many possibilities. I gained a great deal of understanding of our multilayered government, and the complexities that ultimately ensue. I came away knowing that I could make a difference in the way our education system works. That led to me founding the Texas School Directory."
Q & A with Anthony
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
As the founder and Executive Director of The Texas School Directory, I am responsible for all aspects of the organization. Obtaining federal and state data from various governmental agencies, aggregating and dissaggregating that data by political boundaries (Independent School Districts, Texas House and Senate Districts, and Congressional Districts), meeting with various philanthropic organizations crucial to the success of our mission, and making sure the people of Texas have access to the most pertinent information regarding their public schools takes up the bulk of the work.
What has been your general career path?
I decided from the time I finished my undergraduate degree to cut a strategic path through the U.S. policy landscape. I began as a classroom teacher in Texas, becoming steeped in the everyday challenges that face our students and their families. I followed this up with an internship in the Texas Senate, then a data position at The Center for Public Policy Priorities, followed by a Chief of Staff position in the Texas House of Representatives.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
My summer with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development opened up so many possibilities. I gained a great deal of understanding of our multilayered government, and the complexities that ultimately ensue. I came away knowing that I could make a difference in the way our education system works. That led to me founding the Texas School Directory.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
There are so many things I value from my experience as an Archer Fellow. If I had to choose one bit to value above the rest, it is the built in network and support system of the Archer Center. Living and working in a new city, especially one that moves as quickly as D.C., can be daunting. Knowing you have a friend or two to grab a slice of pie and cup of coffee with after a long day at work is an immense comfort.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
The D.C. work ethic is unparalleled. Our public servants at all levels of government are passionate, brilliant, and put in an incredible number of hours to make sure our institutions are as functional as possible. There is nothing like watching the interplay of "careers" and "politicals" to make you appreciate the day-to-day of the our bureaucracy- the exchange of ideas- where idealism and practicality coalesce.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumnus?
There is a wonderful spirit of service in the Archer Alumni community. Whether it's volunteering with the local alumni chapter or making a call to a newly selected Archer Fellow who is thinking about applying for internship in the same office in which they served, there is a never ending sense of fellowship. Sharing wisdom from the D.C. experience with new cohorts is something I personally treasure.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
As a lifelong fan of our nation's pastime and lover of intense, friendly, political engagement, finding out about the annual Congressional Baseball game was pretty wonderful. It took some convincing for several of my Archer Fellow mates to conclude this would be worth the bulk of their Thursday evening. The handful that came with were rewarded with a fierce game and a two inning visit from President Barack Obama.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
There is no experience in graduate school that allows you the practical experience in policy that the Archer Center Graduate Program in Public Policy offers. This is your chance to bring your passion and apply your knowledge to one of the most complex ecosystems known to social science: Washington D.C. Aim high with your internship and jump on a significant project. You won't regret it.
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
As the founder and Executive Director of The Texas School Directory, I am responsible for all aspects of the organization. Obtaining federal and state data from various governmental agencies, aggregating and dissaggregating that data by political boundaries (Independent School Districts, Texas House and Senate Districts, and Congressional Districts), meeting with various philanthropic organizations crucial to the success of our mission, and making sure the people of Texas have access to the most pertinent information regarding their public schools takes up the bulk of the work.
What has been your general career path?
I decided from the time I finished my undergraduate degree to cut a strategic path through the U.S. policy landscape. I began as a classroom teacher in Texas, becoming steeped in the everyday challenges that face our students and their families. I followed this up with an internship in the Texas Senate, then a data position at The Center for Public Policy Priorities, followed by a Chief of Staff position in the Texas House of Representatives.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
My summer with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development opened up so many possibilities. I gained a great deal of understanding of our multilayered government, and the complexities that ultimately ensue. I came away knowing that I could make a difference in the way our education system works. That led to me founding the Texas School Directory.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
There are so many things I value from my experience as an Archer Fellow. If I had to choose one bit to value above the rest, it is the built in network and support system of the Archer Center. Living and working in a new city, especially one that moves as quickly as D.C., can be daunting. Knowing you have a friend or two to grab a slice of pie and cup of coffee with after a long day at work is an immense comfort.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
The D.C. work ethic is unparalleled. Our public servants at all levels of government are passionate, brilliant, and put in an incredible number of hours to make sure our institutions are as functional as possible. There is nothing like watching the interplay of "careers" and "politicals" to make you appreciate the day-to-day of the our bureaucracy- the exchange of ideas- where idealism and practicality coalesce.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumnus?
There is a wonderful spirit of service in the Archer Alumni community. Whether it's volunteering with the local alumni chapter or making a call to a newly selected Archer Fellow who is thinking about applying for internship in the same office in which they served, there is a never ending sense of fellowship. Sharing wisdom from the D.C. experience with new cohorts is something I personally treasure.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
As a lifelong fan of our nation's pastime and lover of intense, friendly, political engagement, finding out about the annual Congressional Baseball game was pretty wonderful. It took some convincing for several of my Archer Fellow mates to conclude this would be worth the bulk of their Thursday evening. The handful that came with were rewarded with a fierce game and a two inning visit from President Barack Obama.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
There is no experience in graduate school that allows you the practical experience in policy that the Archer Center Graduate Program in Public Policy offers. This is your chance to bring your passion and apply your knowledge to one of the most complex ecosystems known to social science: Washington D.C. Aim high with your internship and jump on a significant project. You won't regret it.
