About Ahart

Steven J. Bourgeois, PhD, is an educational researcher, consultant, and former classroom teacher with over 30 years of experience in teaching, leadership, and applied policy analysis. He has taught in Oregon and Texas, served as Executive Director of Research for the state’s largest charter network, and now leads Ahart Solutions—a national firm transforming how schools gather, interpret, and act on culture data. Since 2019, Ahart has collected over 1.5 million stakeholder responses, building research systems grounded in motivation theory, collective efficacy, and school culture frameworks. Dr. Bourgeois holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from UT Arlington, has taught at the University of Dallas and UT Arlington, serves on the advisory board of the Canyon Center for Character Education, and continues his scholarship in leadership, motivation, and character development. Outside of work, he is an accomplished jazz pianist and lifelong student of German philosophy.