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.

2026 Leaders

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2026 EdWeek Leaders To Learn From
Introducing our 2026 EdWeek Leaders To Learn From, highlighting innovative district leaders.
Meet the 2026 Leaders

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Accomplished Singer Leads Boston District’s Expansion of the Arts
Myran Parker-Brass, a classically trained mezzo-soprano, has overseen an ambitious expansion of the arts that has brought a diverse array of dance, music, theater, and visual-arts instruction to Boston’s classrooms. She is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Indianapolis Superintendent Enlists Charters as Allies to Improve City’s Schools
Superintendent Lewis Ferebee has embraced charter schools as an equal partner in raising student achievement and bolstering Indianapolis’ public school sector. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Connecting Schools, Diverse Families Is Mission for Nevada District Leader
As the head of the Washoe County school district’s efforts to engage families, D’Lisa Crain oversees a multi-faceted initiative to build bridges between schools and parents. She is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Connecting Schools and Families – Meet D’Lisa Crain, 2016 Leader to Learn From
Seasoned Educator Takes the Dread Out of Evaluations for Teachers
In the fraught world of teacher evaluation, Renee Pryor provides useful feedback and support to rookie teachers and those who may be struggling in the Lincoln County, Tenn., district. She is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Community Schools Blunt the Impacts of Poverty in Vancouver, Wash.
Superintendent Steve Webb and Chief of Staff Tom Hagley saw big economic changes coming to the Vancouver, Wash., district, and undertook a major initiative to place a range of supportive services for students and families in the city’s schools. They are recognized as 2016 Leaders To Learn From.
Blunting the Impact of Poverty With Community Schools – Meet Steve Webb & Tom Hagley, 2016 LTLF
Alabama Superintendent Creates Digital Hub in Rural Town
In Piedmont, Ala., Superintendent Matt Akin is leveraging educational technology to bring richer learning opportunities to students. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Building a Digital Hub in Rural Alabama – Meet Matt Akin, 2016 Leader to Learn From
In N.C. District, Leader Brings Play Back to Kindergarten
Steve Oates is leading the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County district to embrace more play-based learning in kindergarten, counter to a major trend of making early-childhood education more academic. He is recognized as a 2016 Leader To Learn From.
Bringing Play Back to Kindergarten Classrooms – Meet Steve Oates, 2016 Leader to Learn From
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.