Susan B. Neuman specializes in early literacy development and is the chair of the Teaching and Learning department at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. She formerly worked as a professor at the University of Michigan and as the US Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary and Secondary Education. Neuman launched the Early Reading First program, devised the Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Program, and was in charge of all activities under Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as assistant secretary.