In the weeks since NewSchools Summit, I’ve been reflecting on a question that came up again and again: What does it look like to lead with courage in this moment? More often, it looks like the quiet resilience of education leaders showing up every day to do the work, even when the path forward is anything but clear. It looks like planning for next year without knowing if your funding will come through. It looks like standing by your values when you’re being told they’re liabilities. It looks like defending your team and your mission while wondering if you’ll still be standing six months from now.
Education is at a crossroads. Schools are facing tough decisions, policies are shifting rapidly, and recent data has uncovered an urgent opportunity for us to better support students in building the skills they need to succeed. For all of us to meet this moment, we must show bold leadership, decisive action, and a commitment to delivering results.
NewSchools announces $10M in funding for visionary educators and innovators to transform public education. With a focus on reimagining what’s possible, NewSchools is committed to supporting leaders dedicated to creating new opportunities for students to thrive.
In America, it remains all too predictable who gets a fair shot at life. Our education system should be a gateway to opportunity, yet it often acts as a barrier. While there's no shortage of committed leaders and bright spots in communities across the country, we have yet to move the baseline for everyone.
If you're only seeing the negative headlines about education, you might be missing out on the inspiring stories of progress and potential in the field.
NewSchools is in good company this year among peers in philanthropy and education who are celebrating milestone anniversaries or signaling deeper shifts in their strategy by announcing brand refreshes.
NewSchools Venture Fund introduced Frances Messano as its new Chief Executive Officer today. In 2022, Messano was appointed as successor to outgoing CEO, Stacey Childress, who stepped down after an accomplished eight year tenure.
