Since 1949, all editorial decisions and responsibilities for the Harvard Educational Review have been shared by an Editorial Board composed entirely of doctoral students at Harvard University. Now in its 94th year of editorial production, HER continues this distinctive tradition of student-led scholarly publishing.
Selection and Composition
Editorial Board members are selected through a competitive application process based on rigorous criteria including knowledge of educational literature and methodology, critical thinking and analytical abilities, collaborative skills, and commitment to scholarly publishing and educational justice. The Board seeks comprehensive expertise across a wide range of education areas while maintaining diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
Two-Year Leadership Development
Editors serve terms of two years with a structured learning progression. During their first year, board members develop editorial expertise through blind peer review, manuscript evaluation, author communication, book review selection, copyediting, and issue development. Their second year focuses on journal administration, resource allocation, annual publishing planning, and representing HER at conferences and events within Harvard University and the broader education research community.
Collaborative Decision-Making
The Editorial Board operates through collaborative decision-making processes, with groups of 10-14 doctoral students working together on matters of policy and manuscript evaluation. This collaborative approach ensures thorough, multi-perspective review while fostering the next generation of education scholars.
Faculty Guidance and Professional Support
The Editorial Board is advised by Harvard Graduate School of Education faculty members who provide guidance and mentorship throughout the editorial process. Board members are also assisted by professional staff who are part of Harvard Education Publishing Group, providing the infrastructure support necessary for high-quality academic publishing.