John White, the current State Superintendent of Education in Louisiana and former leader of New York’s “Innovation Zone,” is one of todays most talked about names in education reform in the United States.
White will visit Vail and speak on the state of education in America as part of the Vail Symposium’s Hot Topics series on Monday, July 14. He will discuss his past and current projects and how they fit the larger issues of education reform in the nation, as well as the contested topic of Common Core standards.
“The Symposium is pleased to be one of the valley’s premier organizations to bring hard-hitting important education discussion to locals and visitors,” said Tracey Flower, the Symposium’s Executive Director. “John White has a breadth of knowledge and depth of ambition when it comes to education. We are glad to continue the discussion of education reform by hosting such a standout figure on the topic.”
White is currently charged with improving the quality of education and education performance rating for the state’s 700,000 public school students and 50,000 teachers. He originally arrived in Louisiana to directly oversee 23 schools, of which 22 were failing, as well as 64 charter schools as part of Louisiana’s Recovery School District.
White overhauled the failing schools, established unified enrollment systems and expanded construction to ensure every school building in the Orleans Parish would be rebuilt or renovated. He was named Superintendent in January 2012 by Governor Bobby Jindal.
Before going to work in Louisiana, White served as Deputy Chancellor for Talent, Labor and Innovation in the largest school district in the country in New York. He implemented a citywide teacher effectiveness system and launched the “Innovation Zone” – a network of 100 21st Century schools that utilize technology to personalize learning.
“John White has been in a lot of headlines lately,” said Flower. “He will undoubtedly have a lot to say and the audience will surely have a lot to learn.”
If you go…
Who: John White, Louisiana Superintendent of Education
What: Education Reform in the United States
When: Monday, July 14 | 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Donovan Pavilion
How Much: $25 in advance | $35 at the door | $10 students, teachers and Vail Valley Young Professional Members
Visit www.VailSymposium.org or call 970.476.0954 for tickets
*Program is anticipated to sell out