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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Fort Wayne, Ind., Superintendent Is Forceful Advocate for Urban Schools
With her deep knowledge and strong track record at the helm of the Fort Wayne district, Wendy Robinson is a persuasive advocate for traditional public schools in Indiana, a state with robust school choice. She is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
A Powerful Advocate for Urban Schools – Meet Superintendent Wendy Robinson, Leader To Learn From
Tulsa District Leader Partners With Principals to Improve Instruction
Julio César Contreras, a former teacher and principal, eschews micromanaging the principals he supervises in the Tulsa, Okla., school district, and to ask them for what supports they need. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Superintendent Fosters a Culture of Risk-Taking in Rural Illinois District
At the helm of Illinois’ Farmington Central school district, Superintendent John Asplund has ushered in innovations that are exposing students to opportunities and skills they will need to find their footing in a dramatically shifting economy. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Pushing a Rural District to Take Risks – Meet John Asplund, 2016 Leader to Learn From
Idaho School District's Scarce Resources No Barrier to Innovation
Being innovative is “sort of in my DNA,” says Linda L. Clark, the superintendent of the West Ada school system in Meridian, Idaho.
A One-Time English-Language Learner Puts Premium on Bilingual, Bicultural Education
San Francisco Unified Superintendent Richard A. Carranza is charting multiple pathways for English-language learners to become bilingual, biliterate high school graduates. He is recognized as a 2015 Leader To Learn From.
High Expectations and Access to Rigor Define a N.Y. Educator's Career
Rockville Centre, N.Y., Superintendent William H. Johnson steadfastly elevates learning standards and opportunities for all students. He is recognized as a 2015 Leader To Learn From.
Extra Time Yields Promising Results for Struggling Conn. Schools
Meriden, Conn., Superintendent Mark D. Benigni adds more time for enriching instruction in low-performing elementary schools. He is recognized as a 2015 Leader To Learn From.
Students' Views on Teachers, Policy Hold Sway in Georgia District
In rural Murray County, Ga., Superintendent Vickie Reed relies on meaningful student input to help inform district decisionmaking. She is recognized as a 2015 Leader To Learn From.
With Patient Approach, Houston Sets Bar for Digital Transformation
Under Superintendent Terry B. Grier and Chief Technology Information Officer Lenny J. Schad, Houston's high school students will be equipped with laptops and secondary schools will use digital-only instructional materials. They are recognized as 2015 Leaders To Learn From.
Family Success at the Heart of Engagement Efforts in Mass. District
Patricia A. Spradley, chief of parent and community engagement in the Springfield, Mass., school district, helps parents become role models for lifelong learning. She is recognized as a 2015 Leader To Learn From.
Schools Chief Taps Industry to Bring Rich Career Experiences to Students
Under Superintendent Tom Trigg, students in a suburban Kansas City, Kansas, district get real-world preparation for leading professions. He is recognized as a 2015 Leader To Learn From.
In Wary Community, Finance Chief Builds Strong Case for K-12 Investment
In the Ossining, N.Y. school system, Assistant Superintendent for Business Alita McCoy Zuber pairs her powers of persuasion with cost-conscious budgeting to help plan the financial future of a growing school district. She is a recognized as a 2015 Leader To Learn From.

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