Meet Our Experienced Team
Lee V. Stiff, Ph. D.
President
Lee Vernon Stiff PhD passed away Friday, March 19, 2021. He was a nationally recognized expert and scholar on equity and mathematics education who served as the president of Edstar Analytics, promoting equity through using data.
Dr. Lee Stiff is the Past President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and was a Professor of Mathematics Education at North Carolina State University, and was the 2019 NCTM Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. He has served on NASA’s Inaugural Education Advisory Committee, the Mathematical Science Education Board of the National Research Council, and the Board of Directors of the Benjamin Banneker Association, among several other leadership activities. As a professor and co-author of K-12 mathematics textbooks, he has been innovative in the development of teaching strategies and tools that enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics in schools. Dr. Stiff was the associate dean of faculty and academic affairs and a professor of mathematics education. Dr. Stiff’s research and other professional activities have focused on teaching strategies, problem-solving, the mathematics education of African-American children, and the uses of instructional technologies in mathematics teaching.
Edstar Analytics has been promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Advanced Math for decades. Dr. Stiff has presented how Edstar Analytics uses data to promote access to opportunities. Click here.
Julie Johnson
Technical Writer
Julie Johnson coordinates writing activities and conducts literature reviews to determine what federal, state, and local policies and research findings are relevant for providing contexts for understanding programs and the interpretation of results. She is an award-winning writer and has the ability to take complicated data analyses and translate them into narratives for any audience.
Janet Johnson Ph.D
CEO
Dr. Johnson oversees all activities and is responsible for quality control in program evaluations. Janet holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education with a Minor in Statistics from North Carolina State University. She received an M.S. in Mathematics from Northern Illinois University and a B.A. in Mathematics from Knox College. She also served on the Data and Service Quality Committees, and the Research and Evaluation Committees representing North Carolina on the national College and Career Readiness Evaluation Consortium (CCREC). She has worked with school counselors to help them implement the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model for over a decade. She has extensive experience overseeing large program evaluations, including North Carolina After School programs, North Carolina Dropout Prevention programs, North Carolina GEAR UP, and Missippi GEAR UP.
Presentation at Best-NC Excellence in Education conference: Increasing Access to Advanced Math
Read what has inspired Dr. Johnson to promote equity and access to advanced courses.
John Wittle
System Administrator
John Wittle serves as the System Administrator at Edstar Analytics and is a Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator with a strong background in web programming and UNIX administration. His expertise in cybersecurity ensures the robust protection of our websites and internal systems, effectively safeguarding sensitive data and client information. Proficient in multiple programming languages, including Python, PHP, and Ruby, John keeps us updated with emerging technologies, enhancing our operational efficiency. He is responsible for the procurement and initial setup of all technology equipment, ensuring we have the most effective tools for our needs. When technical issues arise, John’s skills in prompt resolution minimize downtime and maintain team productivity. Beyond his core responsibilities, he participates in client meetings to provide technical insights and contributes to our online presence by creating educational YouTube tutorials. John’s comprehensive skill set makes him an invaluable member of the Edstar Analytics team.
Jackie Alvarez
Senior Data Analyst and Project Lead
Jackie Alvarez is a seasoned data analysis and project management professional known for her adaptability and exceptional dedication. She is proficient in advanced data analysis tools, including Python and Power Query, contributing to enhanced technical capabilities and efficient data manipulation within her team. Jackie excels in creating insightful data dashboards and infographics and has demonstrated outstanding leadership in spearheading projects and representing her team in various settings. Her independent work in sampling and methodology ensures project accuracy, and her role in client and public relations has significantly enhanced her organization’s visibility and credibility. Jackie’s commitment to continuous learning and her diverse skill set make her an invaluable asset to our team.
We Know What Works
Edstar Analytics has over 25 years of experience providing program evaluation services and professional development for using data to promote equity, access, and success, School Improvvement Plans, and using the ASCA National Model to educational organizations.