Dr. Kirabo Jackson

Biography

Kirabo Jackson is a labor economist who studies education and social policy issues, serving as the Abraham Harris Professor of Human Development and Social Policy at Northwestern University. Appointed to the White House Council of Economic Advisors in August 2023, he has analyzed key aspects of education policy, particularly the significance of public school funding on student outcomes into adulthood, the impact of college-preparatory programs on students' transition into the labor market, and the effects of educational tracking on academic achievement. Much of Jackson's research focuses on understanding teacher labor markets, including peer learning and its impacts on teacher effectiveness, as well as how student demographics influence the distribution of teacher quality across schools. His work has garnered attention from prominent organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Spencer Foundation. Jackson has also been appointed lead editor of the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, and he is involved with the American Economic Association as a research associate. His scholarly articles have featured in leading journals including the Quarterly Journal of Economics and the American Economic Journal. Jackson completed his bachelor's degree in Ethics, Politics, and Economics at Yale University in 1998 and earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University in 2007. He has held faculty positions at Cornell University and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

Research Interests

Awards