Training Tomorrow’s Evaluators in a Changing World

What does it take to prepare the next generation of evaluators to meet the challenges of a changing world? This episode dives into the shifting demands on the field, from federal funding uncertainty to the growing influence of AI tools, and the skills future evaluators will need to rise to the challenges. Our guests from the University of Minnesota discuss how future evaluators should be trained to think systemically, challenge assumptions, and act as collaborative problem-solvers, as well as possibly be prepared for an employment model based on project work, rather than extended tenure at one organization. Whether you're in education, public policy, or nonprofit work, this conversation offers timely insight into how evaluation is being redefined for the future.   Our guests this week from the University of Minnesota are: John Hitchcock, Ph.D., Professor of Evaluation Studies and Marilyn Sime Professor for Educational Excellence, [email protected] Jodi Benenson, Ph.D., Associate professor in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development in the College of Education and Human Development, [email protected] Stuart Yeh, Ph.D., Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Evaluation Studies, [email protected]   We cover a lot of topics in this episode, so if desired, a written summary can be found here: Episode 12 summary   Podcast music written and produced by Stacey Merola. Podcast artwork by Zoe Targino.