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.
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.
English 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.
Standards & Accountability
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.