Smart List: 40 People Shaping the Future of K-12 Education

Getting Smart is acknowledging people and organizations making a difference with the second annual Smart Lists. During October and November you’ll see about 20 ‘Best of’ lists, not in order, not exhaustive, just people we appreciate doing innovative work.

Today we are recognizing 40 thought leaders and change makers shaping the future of K-12 education.
Nonprofit Thought Leaders Defining What’s Next in K-12

• Scott Benson, Gates Foundation
• Alex Hernandez, Charter School Growth Fund
• Michael Horn, Christensen Institute
• John Bailey, Foundation for Excellence in Education#

• Susan Patrick, iNACOL **
  • See Smart Cities Q&A
• Brian Greenberg, Silicon Schools
• Ethan Gray, CEE-Trust
• Matt Candler, 4.0 Schools
• Andy Calkins, Next Generation Learning Challenge #
  • See Smart Cities contribution on Next Gen Learning
• Karen Cator, Digital Promise
• Andy Smarick, Bellwether Education Partners
• Nick Donohue, Nellie Mae Education Foundation
  • See Smart Cities contribution on real engagement
• Mike Petrilli, Fordham Institute
• Scott Ellis, The Learning Accelerator
• Barbara Chow, Hewlett Foundation
• Amy Anderson, Donnell Kay Foundation
• Robin Lake, CRPE
• Neerav Kingsland, Relinquishment 

More Relevant Than Ever in K-12

• Howard Fuller, Marquette University
• Checker Finn, Fordham
• Rick Hess, AEI
• Andy Rotherham, Bellwether Education Partners
• Alex Johnston, ConnCAN founder
• Jon Schnur, New Leaders and America Achieves founder
• Michael Fullan, Motion Leadership
• Sir Michael Barber, Pearson #
  • See Smart Cities contribution from Barber on the Future of Education
• Tony Wagner, Harvard and author 
• Gisele Huff, Hume Foundation
• Gene Wilhoit & Linda Pittenger, Innovation Lab Network

Chiefs Making a Difference

• Tom Luna, ID (@TomLuna)
• Deb Gist, RI (@DeborahGist)
• Kevin Huffman, TN (@TNEduCommish)
• Hanna Skandera, NM (@HannaSkandera)
• John White, LA (@LouisianaSupe)
• Stefan Pryor, CT
• John King, NY (@JohnKingNYSED)
• Terry Holiday, KY (@kycommissioner)
• Mark Murphy, DE
• Michael Martirano, WV (@mjmsuper)
• Virginia Barry, NH

This Smart List was published in partnership with Getting Smart Services. Getting Smart provides advocacy, advisory, consulting and public relations services to turn ideas into impact. We help for-profit and non-profit organizations construct cohesive and forward-thinking strategies for branding, awareness, advancement and communications.

* Learn Capital Partner, # Getting Smart Partner, ** Board member or Advisor