Full Resumé



Congresstional Testimony - Tackling Teacher Shortages
On May 25, 2022, Dr. West presented testimony at a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. The topic was "Tackling Teacher Shortages." Dr. West focused her presentation on special education. Her video testimony is here. Her written testimony is here. The full hearing is here.




American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Honors Jane's Contribution to Policy and Advocacy. Click here.


Dr. Jane West Tribute Video


The thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was celebrated in July 2020. Click here for a series of interviews with many who were involved in its development and enactment, including Dr. Jane West. These videos were developed and are housed on the website of the Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


Individuals with Disabilities Act 45 Years Jane West, Ph. D.
The personnel who deliver the promise of IDEA: A reflection on the 45th anniversary of IDEA, by Jane West, Ph. D. Click here.


While teaching doctoral students about policy making in Washington, Jane realized it was challenging to take in so much information in a short time about such a complex, obscure and often arcane process. In order to assist her students in making sense of it all, she developed a framework she calls 'The Four P's". She is currently writing a book on the topic, tentatively titled "Parting the Curtains." Click here to listen to her describe the framework and how it can be used.


Jane delivered a special public lecture sponsored by the Boeing Chair in Teacher Education at the University of Washington in November, 2016. Click here to listen to her thoughts about the challenges to the field and how the academy needs to engage with policy makers.

Public Policy: Make Your Voice Count

"If you're not at the table, you are probably on the menu!"

Are you passionate about changing public policy, but equally frustrated with policy makers?
Do you find the legislative process obtuse and impenetrable?
Do you want to help overturn a court decision?
Do you want to change a law?
Do you want new regulations in place?
Do you want your voice to make a difference?

If your answer is "yes" to any of these questions, you are in the right place! With over 40 years of experience in policy making at the federal level both within and outside of government, West offers a roadmap for making a difference in public policy. Dr. West has worked in the U.S. Senate, on a presidential commission, with a wide range of federal agencies, and multiple national membership associations. With particular expertise in education and disability policy, she builds bridges between policy makers and various constituencies - always with the goal of generating the best possible policy outcomes.

As an educator, Dr. West has developed and taught numerous courses for doctoral students on public policy at several universities. She parts the curtains for students to get a bird's eye view on how policy is made. Her innovative framework - the 4 P's - offers a straightforward approach for advocacy development and policy analysis. In her new book, Advocating for the Common Good: People, Politics, Policy, and Process on Capitol Hill, she guides the reader through the maze of Washington. Drawing from public policy scholarship, multiple Washington policy experts, and her own experience, she grounds her work in both research and real-world activities. Applicable to federal and state policy making, Dr. West's framework is useful in a broad range of policy areas.

Dr. West has written and spoken extensively for audiences ranging from researchers, higher education experts, national association members, advocates, students, and the interested public.

For more information on Amazon click here.

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