 (Doctor of Education), with highest distinction, in urban education at Temple University in 1978 

Darling-Hammond began her career as a public school teacher in Pennsylvania, from 1973 to 1974.In 1985, after completing her doctorate degree program, she began working as a Social Scientist for the RAND Corporation.Darling-Hammond was a Senior Social Scientist and Director of the RAND Education and Human Resources Program when she departed for academia in 1989.