Dana Bennis, co-founder and Research and Policy Director of IDEA, has been deeply involved in democratic education since 2001. Dana has taught in democratic, progressive, and conventional school settings and earned a Masters Degree in Education from Vermont College of Union Institute and University. He has published essays in various education journals, and collaborates with others locally, nationally, and internationally to advance democratic education. Dana lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his partner and fellow educator, Julie Hill.