Nationally recognized Johns Hopkins researcher honored with AMLE’s highest award for his extraordinary contributions to the success of young adolescents
Columbus, OH – September 1, 2026 – The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) is pleased to announce Robert Balfanz, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education and Director of the Everyone graduates Center, as a recipient of the John H. Lounsbury Award for Distinguished Achievement in Middle Level Education.
The John H. Lounsbury Award is AMLE’s highest honor and recognizes individuals whose scholarship, service, leadership, and contributions to the theory and practice of middle level education have been extraordinary.
Upon learning of his selection, Balfanz shared, “I am honored to receive the Lounsbury Award from the Association for Middle Level Education, as its named for a pioneer in showing how middle grades schools can be designed to meet the needs and develop the full potential of middle grades students, so that all are launched on a pathway to success.”
For decades, Balfanz has dedicated his career to understanding what young people need to remain engaged in school, successfully navigate critical educational transitions, and ultimately graduate prepared for adult success. His nationally recognized research has helped reshape how educators and policymakers identify and support students who are at risk of falling off track.
Among his most influential contributions is his work on early warning systems, which use indicators such as attendance, behavior, and course performance to help schools recognize when students need additional support. His research demonstrated the importance of identifying these indicators as early as the middle grades giving educators an opportunity to intervene long before a student reaches the point of disengaging and dropping out.
Balfaz’s work has extended beyond research. Through the Everyone Graduates Center and national initiatives and partnerships, he has helped translate evidence into practical systems that schools and communities can use to improve attendance, strengthen student supports and create pathways to high school graduation and postsecondary success.
“Dr. Robert Balfanz embodies the very spirit of the Lounsbury Award and who it was created to recognize”, said Dr. Chandra Díaz, Chair of the AMLE Board of Trustees. “His groundbreaking research established the middle grades as pivotal years in shaping students’ pathways to graduation and future success. Through an unwavering commitment to equity, he has shown how early identification, strong relationships, and data-informed supports can transform outcomes for young adolescents. Even more importantly, he has dedicated his career to ensuring that research drives action, helping educators and schools create more responsive, developmentally appropriate learning environments for students nationwide. His influence on our field is extraordinary.”
In 2026, Balfanz was also named a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association, recognizing his sustained excellence and impact in education research. Throughout his career, he worked at the intersection of research, policy and practice, with a particular focus on under-resourced schools and students who have historically had the least access to the support needed to thrive.
The Lounsbury Award is named in honor of Dr. John H. Lounsbury, one of the founders and most influential voices of the modern middle school movement. Lounsbury devoted his career to ensuring that schools understood and responded to the unique developmental needs of young adolescents. The award bearing his name recognizes leaders who demonstrate that same extraordinary commitment to advancing middle level education.
“The middle grades are a pivotal period in a young person’s life,” said AMLE CEO Christopher Woodside. “Dr. Balfanz’s work has helped the education community see clearly both the warning signs that a student is struggling and importantly, the opportunities we have to respond. His work reminds us that when we pay attention, act early, and support young adolescents with the right supports, we position them on positive paths for their chosen futures”
Balfanz will be recognized by AMLE during AMLE26, the association’s annual conference, November 4-7, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
About Robert Balfanz
Robert Balfanz, Ph. D., is a Distinguished Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education and Director of the Everyone Graduates Center. He is nationally recognized for his research on secondary school reform, chronic absenteeism, high school graduation, early warning systems, and student success. His work focuses on translating research into actionable strategies that enable schools and communities to provide students and the support they need to succeed.
About the John H. Lounsbury Award
The John H. Lounsbury Award for Distinguished Achievement in Middle Level Education is the highest honor presented by the Association for Middle Level Education. Established to recognize extraordinary scholarship, service, leadership, and contributions to middle level education, the award honors individuals who have demonstrated distinguished service and national leadership on behalf of young adolescents.
About AMLE
The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) is an international membership organization dedicated to helping middle grades educators reach every student, grow professionally, and create great schools. AMLE provides research, resources, professional learning, and a global community focused on improving educational experiences for students ages 10-15.
Media Contact
Christopher Woodside
Chief Executive Officer
cwoodside@amle.org