Erin Welch

Erin Welch specializes in qualitative and implementation research on programs and policies that advance adult learning, professional development, and engagement in K–12 education and human services. She is an experienced technical assistance provider helping education and human services agencies use evidence to improve policy and practice.

Since joining Mathematica in 2019, Welch has worked on a range of projects in K–12 education, employment, and human services. Welch has led and contributed to qualitative and implementation data collection and analysis for randomized controlled trials, formative evaluations, and cross-site grant program evaluations. She led the implementation analysis of the U.S. Department of Education’s national evaluation of a teacher leadership model and served as the study’s implementation support and monitoring co-task lead. Welch also contributed to a research-practice partnership between the Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic and the Delaware Department of Education to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide needs assessment tool focused on the state’s career and technical education offerings. Welch co-led the technical assistance engagement task for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Technical Assistance Center on Reaching and Effectively Serving All Communities, overseeing dozens of technical assistance engagements for offices within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Welch also served as a research reviewer and author for the Pathways to Work Evidence Clearinghouse, which systematically reviews evidence about employment and training programs for people with low income and synthesizes findings for use by practitioners.

Before joining Mathematica in 2019, Welch spent nearly a decade working in K–12 education as an elementary school English language arts teacher and in the nonprofit education sector. She holds a master's degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University.