Meet the Leaders

Each year, Education Week identifies some of the nation’s most exceptional school district leaders in its EdWeek Leaders To Learn From report and shines a spotlight on their extraordinary impact on the success of educators and students.

2025 Leaders

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2025 EdWeek Leaders To Learn From
These district leaders have shown persistence and creativity as they navigate the challenges facing schools in a rapidly changing world.
Meet the 2025 Leaders

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On a Quest to Move Children of Poverty Into the STEM Pipeline
2019 Leader To Learn From Emilio Pack has drawn on his life experience as an immigrant to create a group of charter schools where children of color can feel they belong—and study for careers in STEM fields.
Making an Art Out of Teaching Math
Teaching math should empower teachers and students alike, says Joanna Burt-Kinderman. The instructional coach in Pocahontas County, W.Va., is one of our 2019 Leaders To Learn From.
Superintendent Turns to Students for Advice
Superintendent Joseph Meloche regularly turns to students to inform his decisionmaking in the Cherry Hill, N.J., school district. He is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
This Superintendent Turns to Students for Advice
'I Can Be a Catalyst': Schools Chief Steers His District Onto Right Path
Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk is executing on a plan to restore confidence in Kentucky’s Fayette County school system where financial troubles and inattention to low-income, nonwhite, and special education students had drawn criticism. He is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
'I Can Be a Catalyst': Schools Chief Steers His District Onto Right Path
A 'Perpetual Fighter' Looking Out for All Kids
Deputy Superintendent Susana Cordova’s unwavering commitment to equity for all students has led to major improvements for English-learners in Denver’s public schools. She is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
A ‘Perpetual Fighter’ for Equity for All Students
Small Town Schools Chief Bridges Cultures Through Language Learning
Michelle Saylor, the superintendent in Bellefonte, Pa., has brought robust foreign-language learning to her district, part of her robust vision to teach global citizenship. She is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
Schools Chief Builds Cultural Bridges Through Language Learning
In Chicago's Rough and Tumble Politics, Schools Chief Rises Above the Fray
Janice K. Jackson’s journey through the Chicago Public Schools as a student, teacher, principal, administrator, parent, and now, chief executive officer, has prepared her for one of the toughest jobs in K-12 education. She is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
Janice K. Jackson
An Instructional Coach Can Improve School Performance. Here’s Proof
As a director of instruction, Rachel Rodriguez works to make sure that every teacher receives regular coaching and real-time support.
Rachel Rodriguez
Making Schools an Oasis of Calm and Safety in San Bernardino, Calif.
Superintendent Dale Marsden has built a culture of safety in the San Bernardino, Calif., schools even as his district withstood two shootings. He is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
Dale Marsden
A Modern Solution to the Problem of Teacher Absences
Robert Harris devised an out-of-the-box solution to quality substitute teaching in Lexington, Mass.—something few schools around the country have been able to creatively address. He is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
Robert Harris
Giving Families an 'Equal Shot' at Finding the Right School
Education’s inequities are unacceptable to Mohammed Choudhury. As San Antonio’s chief innovation officer, he’s working to even the socioeconomic playing field and expand school choice. He is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
Mohammed Choudhury
High-Quality Online Learning Is Possible and Indiana Leader Wants to Prove It
As the director of virtual and blended learning at Indiana's Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, Michele Eaton strives to bring personalized learning to students and teachers. She is recognized as a 2018 Leader To Learn From.
Michele Eaton

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