Meet the Leaders Special Report

2014 EdWeek Leaders To Learn From

Recognizing excellence in school-district leadership
Science Leader To Learn From Tenn. Schools Chief Digs Deep for STEM Learning
Teacher 'externships,' a STEM academy, and an emphasis on solving real-world problems form the backbone of a comprehensive STEM initiative in the Clarksville-Montgomery County school system.
6 min read
Families & the Community Leader To Learn From Cleveland Administrator Launches College Tours for Parents
For many families in Cleveland, the Parent University College Tours organized by Tracy Hill are their first introduction to a college campus.
Karla Scoon Reid
6 min read
English-Language Learners Leader To Learn From Calif. Leader Keeps English-Learners in Academic Mix
In Oakland, Maria Santos uses ‘instructional rounds,’ much like those in teaching hospitals, to coach educators on how to best involve ELL students in academic discourse.
5 min read
Standards Leader To Learn From Teachers Lead the Way in Nevada Leader's Common-Core Project
Aaron Grossman steered Washoe County’s efforts to implement curriculum standards by eschewing commercial interpretations of the standards and enlisting teachers to figure out what works for them.
Alyssa Morones
7 min read
Aaron Grossman
Aaron Grossman
Lance Iversen for Education Week
School & District Management Leader To Learn From Ex-'Outsider' Chips Away at School Procurement Process in N.Y.C.
With innovations like the Gap App Challenge and the Music Education Hackathon, Steven Hodas wants to bridge "the moat" between schools and technology entrepreneurs.
5 min read
Steven Hodas
Steven Hodas
Emile Wamsteker for Education Week
Student Well-Being Leader To Learn From Nursing Director Ensures Students Are Really ‘Ready to Learn’
In Kent, Wash., Mary Newell has rolled out several strategies to help students manage their health problems and make the most of their time in the classroom.
6 min read
Classroom Technology Leader To Learn From Colorado Administrator Forges New Path for School Librarians
When budget cuts forced her district to cut back on librarians’ schedules, Julie A. Bowline re-deployed her librarians as digital literacy teachers.
Katie Ash
6 min read
Julie A. Bowline
Julie A. Bowline
Nathan W. Armes for Education Week
Curriculum Leader To Learn From Philadelphia Leader Makes the Case for Arts Education
By marshaling research evidence, finding outside partners, and nailing grants, Dennis Creedon has kept a robust arts program alive in his financially strapped school system.
Caralee J. Adams
7 min read
School & District Management Leader To Learn From Broward Superintendent Focuses on Building Bridges
The Florida K-12 district was at odds with its 95 charter schools before Robert Runcie came along with an agenda for change and collaboration.
Katie Ash
5 min read
Student Well-Being Leader To Learn From Minneapolis Leader Turns School Cafeterias Into 'Real Kitchens'
Bertrand Weber has developed the recipe for creating cachet around school lunches and making them healthier for students.
8 min read
School & District Management Leader To Learn From Alaskan Leader Keeps Rural Students Connected
Geography is no barrier for students in the Lower Kuskokwim district who can take classes in digital photography and robotics via technology.
5 min read
Dan Walker
Dan Walker
Mark Meyer for Education Week
School Climate & Safety Leader To Learn From Colo. Superintendent Shares Lessons on Crisis Management
Nicholas Gledich admits he's a pretty big fan of catchphrases.
7 min read
Student Achievement Leader To Learn From Schools Chief Raises Academic Bar for Students in a Mississippi District
In Clarksdale, a superintendent’s recipe for improving schools includes themed magnet schools, tougher academics, citywide school choice, and a big infusion of grant money.
7 min read
Personalized Learning Leader To Learn From Ariz. Leader Uses Technology to Personalize Learning
Under Gail Pletnick’s leadership, students in Dysart’s schools are learning at their own pace, only moving on when they've fully grasped concepts.
6 min read
Gail Pletnick
Gail Pletnick
Laura Segall for Education Week
Early Childhood Leader To Learn From St. Louis Schools Leaders Team Up on Preschool Expansion
Facing dropping student enrollments, a superintendent and a teachers’ union leader collaborated to open up more preschool seats and keep their struggling district viable.
5 min read