Phil Poekert, Ph.D. is a clinical professor and director of the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning. Since being appointed in 2018, Phil has led the Lastinger Center through exponential growth in products, projects and staff while streamlining the Center’s focus on impacting achievement across three educational milestones: kindergarten readiness, third grade reading and algebra.

Phil joined the Lastinger Center in 2006 as a graduate assistant and has climbed through the ranks of the organization. Previously serving as faculty and assistant director, he has led the development and expansion of local, state, and national initiatives. Beginning his career with Teach For America in the South Bronx, then teaching in secondary schools in California, Phil moved back to Florida to teach at his hometown middle school in West Palm Beach before working for UF in Miami for 10 years and then moving to Gainesville in 2017.

Phil has presented at numerous state, national and international research conferences and has published in national and international journals and serves on the Executive editorial Board of the Professional Development in Education journal. Phil earned his Doctor of Philosophy in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida, his Master of Science for Teachers from Pace University, and his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from New College of Florida.

At home and abroad, Phil loves spending quality time and traveling with his wife, Claudia, and two children, Penelope and Charlie.