Ask An Expert: Judy Goddess

Judy Goddess has worked for more than a decade in education, both as an advocate for parents and students, and as a trainer of teachers and principals in the area of school law.

In the last year, she has conducted workshops for foundations, student organizations, social service agencies, and educators. Her areas of expertise (in addition to school law for parents) include fundraising, parent involvement, and legislation.

In October 1998, her first book was published by School Wise Press: California School Rules: A School-Smart Parent's Guide to Advocating for Your Child. The book has now gone to a second printing, and is being used by parents, educators, social workers, and legal staff all over California. In addition, as an on-line columnist, she has answered hundreds of questions from parents who write her about school related issues.

She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Chicago, and received her Ph.D. from Northwestern University. While in Chicago, she wrote a handbook on student rights for the American Friends Service Committee.

In California, she has been co-director of the East San Jose Youth Center, developed programs with El Centro de Libertad and the San Leandro Shelter for Women and Children; managed training programs for immigrants and refugees with Jewish Vocational Services; served as executive director of the Hayward Education Fund; and more.

She has been involved in the movements for social justice and civil rights in California and Illinois, where her work with students in the Chicago school system encouraged her to pursue parent advocacy as a profession.

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