In today’s dynamic educational landscape, knowledge brokers are indispensable in bridging the gaps between research, policy, and practice. While few may label themselves as knowledge brokers, many professionals engage in this vital work across various roles and organizations. These individuals cultivate and maintain relationships that facilitate the exchange of knowledge among key stakeholders, ensuring that knowledge is not only accessible but also actionable. They work within diverse settings, including curriculum development organizations, state education agencies, schools, and research institutions.
Despite knowledge brokers’ critical role in the education system, many have expressed concerns about the lack of formal training. Often, brokers navigate their responsibilities as boundary spanners and knowledge mobilizers without the benefit of structured guidance. To address this gap, there is a pressing need for the development and delivery of targeted training programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by knowledge brokers.
The Foundations of Knowledge Brokering program, offered by the Center for Research Use in Education (CRUE) at the University of Delaware, aims to fill this gap by providing the skills and community necessary for effective knowledge brokering. Over six months, participants engage with modules covering knowledge brokers’ roles and activities, applying an equity lens to their work, understanding the educational ecosystem, supporting evidence-informed change, and developing design, communication, and facilitation skills.
A Brief History of the Program
In 2021, CRUE hosted a pivotal five-day gathering for knowledge brokers in education. The Research Broker Network Meeting provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and challenges, leading to critical discussions about the need for formal training in the field. Many attendees expressed that they often learn informally or “on the job,” which can hinder their effectiveness and deter potential knowledge brokers from entering the role.
Responding to these insights and recommendations, CRUE applied for and received a grant to develop a structured training program. In each of the last two years, CREATEd offered a year-long fellowship program. Starting in 2025, we are excited to begin offering programming more broadly through the Foundations of Knowledge Brokering.
The Foundations of Knowledge Brokering, based on the curriculum of the fellowship, was created to equip participants with 25 essential competencies based on a review of academic literature. This program aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical tools that can be immediately applied professionally.
Why You Should Participate: Insights from Past Participants
A fundamental aspect of CRUE’s mission goes beyond developing the training program; it encompasses a strong commitment to evaluating its impact. Ongoing evaluation allows us to adapt the program to the evolving needs of knowledge brokers while also assessing its effectiveness in benefiting participants. Over the past two years, insights from the evaluation efforts have revealed valuable information about how the curriculum supports participants in their professional growth and enhances their capabilities as knowledge brokers. We hope these insights help you consider how the program can support your own professional journey and inform your decision to participate.
You should participate if you are committed to developing your knowledge and skills to connect research and practice. Many past fellowship participants expressed a strong desire for professional development and skill building, noting that the program offered valuable opportunities to refine their abilities in ways that aligned with their day-to-day responsibilities and career aspirations. Evaluation data from previous participants reveal that many acquired essential skills to articulate their roles more effectively, integrate equity into their work, and apply research in ways that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Participants reported deepening their understanding of the educational ecosystem and its diverse stakeholders while enhancing their communication and collaboration abilities.
“[The program] came at the right time of my career when I was trying to find a lot of language for what I’m doing and want to do going forward.”
“In my work, I often find myself brought into partnerships where groups of people from different backgrounds work together…I thought that the knowledge broker framing and the focus on supporting knowledge brokers [could] be useful for that aspect of my work that I continually find myself in.”
You should participate if you aim to leverage what you learn for real-world impact. Past fellowship participants have identified the program as crucial to their professional growth, often citing immediate applications of their newfound knowledge within their institutional contexts. Many found the program invaluable for deepening their understanding of stakeholder dynamics, launching successful initiatives, and enhancing their communication skills. They emphasized their ability to apply specific tools and resources from the program immediately, leading to tangible improvements in their practice. Additionally, numerous participants have shared insights and resources with colleagues, fostering a greater collective understanding and enriching team practices.
“I felt like the content was really relevant. I loved looking at things from different lenses, both, you know, policy, practice, and research, but also looking at things through the lenses of the different topics of modules. I loved getting resources and articles and things to share, and I was always turn-keying them back to folks on our team to make sure we were making the best out of this opportunity.”
You should participate if you want to expand your professional network and engage with like-minded peers. Past fellowship participants have emphasized that connecting with individuals from diverse areas of the education sector was essential for their growth; this exchange of ideas deepened their understanding of the material and offered fresh perspectives on their work. The cohort experience fostered a collegial and friendly atmosphere, where participants frequently shared insights and resources. Through collaborative discussions and small group activities, they not only enhanced their problem-solving skills but also gained practical strategies to effectively tackle real-world challenges, benefiting from their colleagues’ collective knowledge and experiences.
I really have valued the diversity of the cohort. The people involved span[ned] all different levels of experience and expertise and came from all different types of organizations and backgrounds. I think learning in a cohort, when you get a chance to hear other people’s reflections, that’s really what pushes you. One of the strengths of this program is not just the curated readings and the tools that have been picked—and they’re really exemplars from the field—it’s also the benefit of being part of a learning community and learning from one another.
This is a robust group of really smart folks who are thoughtful and engaged. And to hear, you know that every module, there’d be, a couple [of readings] that stood out to me, then other ones stood out to others… ’ So yes, that 100% enhanced [my learning].
Convinced? Here’s How to Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey, we invite you to register for the Foundations of Knowledge Brokering. This is your opportunity to engage with a vibrant community of education professionals committed to making research actionable in their contexts.
Registration Process: To register, visit the Foundations of Knowledge Brokering webpage, where you will find detailed information about the registration process, deadlines, and program specifics. We encourage you to submit your registration early, as spots may fill quickly due to high demand. If you have questions about the program, contact Carolyn Hammerschmidt at crue-info@udel.edu
Financial Support: The Education Knowledge Broker Network is pleased to partner with CRUE to offer a limited number of scholarships to Network participants to fully support the program participation fee of $495. These scholarships will be offered on a rolling basis between October 1 and November 15, 2024. If you want to apply for a scholarship, complete the form here.
Bio: Samantha Shewchuk, Ph.D., is a Research Associate and a senior researcher within the Center for Research Use in Education (CRUE) at the University of Delaware. Samantha is responsible for leading the research and evaluation efforts for the Foundations of Knowledge Brokering.