National Math and Science Initiative reviews

I joined NMSI with high hopes, inspired by their mission. Unfortunately, my experience was far from what the company claims to stand for. The facade of progressivism quickly crumbled, revealing a deeply flawed and retaliatory work environment. The leadership at NMSI, primarily the President and COO, is regrettably lacking in true leadership qualities. There’s a noticeable absence of transparency, accountability, and genuine concern for employees and the organizational mission. This lack of direction and guidance creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, stifling any chance for growth or collaboration. NMSI’s purported dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) appears to be nothing more than performative gestures. Superficial efforts were made, but these initiatives lacked substance and meaningful impact. The gestures were led and attended only by the marginalized groups. It became evident that the company was more concerned with optics than actual change, failing to address systemic issues and ingrained biases. What is perhaps most distressing is the mistreatment of women of color at NMSI. Despite the alleged commitment to diversity, women of color face rampant discrimination, microaggressions, and a hostile work environment. Their concerns are brushed aside, and often met with retaliation, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and disregard for their well-being. I cannot in good conscience recommend NMSI as an employer. It is imperative for the leadership to be restructured (displaced/fired) and find leaders who genuinely embrace the values NMSI claims to hold and work diligently to create an environment that respects and uplifts all employees, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. This company needs a deep and thorough cultural overhaul to live up to its mission and claim a place of integrity for students, teachers, school leaders, and employees.

NMSI continues to be an organization greatly misaligned from its mission and stated core values. Because of this misalignment, the organization operates in a directionless and performative manner. The organization has been on a financial and ethical decline for some years now. There has been a desperate attempt to stay afloat by focusing on increasing revenue. However, there is no sustainable plan for this shift. They surely will be restructuring (again) to hide the fact that they are at a precipice. The financial decline is because of its resistance to building innovative products, top-heavy organizational structure, poor internal operations, cumbersome technology, loss of credibility with donors, and rapid decline in training attendance. The ethical decline is due to the fact that many decision-makers frequently ignore employee complaints about micro-aggressions and other discriminatory behavior. There is also a lack of interest in supporting efforts that positively impact BIPOC teachers and staff. Additionally, there are staff who consistently have senior-level positions created for them. This place does not meet the needs of the people and school systems they claim they want to support and they do not appreciate being called out about it. NMSI’s leadership team, especially the COO and President, lack accountability and will protect their ego at all costs, even if it is to the detriment of the entire organization. They’ve been able to keep their circle tight by hiring and promoting friends into senior leader roles. Again, they do not meet the needs of the people and systems they claim they want to support. I caution you to join this organization if you are genuinely committed to supporting school systems. I joined hoping to make a real impact, but as my time at the organization progressed, it only worsened. The few folks remaining who genuinely care, despite their best efforts, cannot carry out the mission of this organization. Do not join thinking you can either because you will be fighting an uphill battle. You will not be set up for success. They will gaslight you.