About Us
The QISA staff understands that schools do not need more work to do, but better tools to do their work with. The staff brings to QISA and its partners a wealth of expertise reflected in their sensitivity to the needs of individual schools. They have studied, trained and worked in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities around the world and each holds an advanced degree. Their work with the 8 Conditions is based on personal belief and years of professional experience, including teaching and leading learning communities, writing and publishing books, and presenting keynote addresses and workshops.

Dr. Russell J. Quaglia
President/Founder
Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations

Dr. Russell Quaglia is the President/Founder of the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations. He has been described by NBC-TV Today Show as America’s foremost authority on the development and achievement of student aspirations.

As a dynamic speaker, he travels extensively presenting research-based information on student aspirations and motivation to audiences throughout the United States and around the world.

His opinions and comments on aspirations and controversial educational topics have been sought after and published in national media such as the Washington Post, Boston Globe, New York Times, USA Today, Chronicle of Higher Education and Education Week. He has also appeared on national and international television radio including CNN, NPR, BBC, CSPAN, and was a guest on NBC’s Today Show.

He received his Bachelor's degree at Assumption College, a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Boston College, and a Master of Education and Doctorate from Columbia University specializing in the area of organizational theory and behavior. He has also been awarded numerous honorary doctorates in Humanitarian Services for his work with students around the world.

Quaglia's research has been published in numerous professional journals, such as Educational Administration Quarterly, Journal of Instructional Psychology, American School Board Journal, Adolescence and the Journal of Psychological and Educational Measurement. His thoughts and opinions have also appeared in popular magazines such as: Reader’s Digest, Better Homes and Garden, Parent and Family Magazine and Ladies Home Journal. He is also the author of numerous books including; Believing in Achieving; Student Aspirations: Eight Conditions that Make a Difference; Raising Student Aspirations: Classroom Activities for Grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12; Changing Lives Through the Principalship; Don’t Lose Sight of the Target; and Sam’s Adventures in School.