Ann Maddock is Co-Founder and CEO of the Center for Optimal Learning Environments, whose mission is connecting research-based strategies and best practices with key decision makers to transform school learning environments. Her expertise in optimal learning environments began when she was appointed as North Carolina Governor Mike Easley’s Teacher Advisor (2002-2009). In this role she connected her real-world classroom teaching experience of 25 years to the realm of state and national policy. In 2002 with Governor Easley, Ann led the effort to implement the first-in-the-nation statewide teacher working conditions survey in North Carolina which laid the foundation for similar surveys in more than twenty states. Through her advocacy, the use of such teaching and learning conditions data has become a national indicator on teaching quality, school-based reform and has helped to reshape education in numerous states.