Leading Together to Advance 21st Century, Deeper Learning for Every Student
A vibrant network of future-thinking educators committed to 21st century, deeper learning for every student.
Cultivate a Shared Vision
EdLeader21 Network members are connected by a shared vision–where all students experience a 21st century education that purposefully integrates rigorous academic content with the skills and mindsets to prepare them for success now and into the future. This
transformation is anchored in cultivating a shared vision with community members, often referred to as a Portrait of a Graduate.
Superintendent Amy Cashwell shares how connecting with colleagues on the same journey has propelled her district's work in service of students:
AMY CASHWELL | Superintendent, Henrico County Public Schools, VA
"Many networks now talk about the value of a Portrait of a Graduate. Battelle for Kids understands the DNA of a Portrait of a Graduate and has the capacity to ensure organizations successfully move from Portrait to Practice."
MICHAEL R. MCCORMICK | Superintendent, Val Verde Unified School District, CA
Advance Deeper Learning Outcomes for Every Student
Now, more than ever, students deserve an education that prepares them for this rapidly changing world. The connections and the learning among future-thinking educators fuel the acceleration of equitable, deeper learning outcomes for every student.
"We leave EdLeader21 Network events not thinking about yesterday, but thinking about how we can make deeper learning experiences for our students and our teachers better for tomorrow."
TALISA DIXON | Superintendent, Columbus City Schools, OH
Superintendent Michael McCormick discusses the impact of Portrait of a Graduate on graduation rates and other performance indicators:
MICHAEL R. MCCORMICK | Superintendent, Val Verde Unified School District, CA
"Teachers are designing more robust deeper learning experiences. Students can speak to the Portrait of a Graduate competencies and tie it back to their learning goals."
MICHAEL DUNCAN | Superintendent, Pike County Schools, GA
Connect with Like-minded, Future-focused Educators
Join innovative education leaders who are driven to collectively change education to meet the needs of today's 21st century learners.
Superintendents share why being in this network is valuable to them.
TALISA DIXON | Retired Superintendent
KADEE ANSTADT | Superintendent, Washington Local Schools, OH
"The opportunity to collaborate and innovate with other district leaders from across the nation and to form new partnerships centered on school improvement and student advocacy has been invaluable."
MELVIN BROWN | Superintendent, Reynoldsburg City Schools, OH
"For superintendents, there are networks that are superintendent-driven, and there are regional networks. This is a national learning network."
AARON SPENCE | Superintendent, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
Build Systemwide Capacity
The EdLeader21 Network's professional learning experiences are designed to help create and implement a vision of 21st century, deeper learning—a Portrait of a Graduate—and inspire change across the entire system. Network members learn from and engage with other thought leaders, experts, and other innovative educators. Educators throughout the system benefit from these learning opportunities—delivered both virtually and in person.
Learn more about these opportunities—including Superintendent Roundtables, Virtual Site Visits, and an extensive resource library—in the 2022-23 Member Experience Overview.
"I always walk away with new ideas and inspiration - and the learning sticks. It is meaningful, relevant, and powerful."
LORI WILCOX | Superintendent, Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102, IL
ANNUAL EVENT & PORTRAIT TO PRACTICE EXPO

Each fall, district teams convene to learn from
one another, hear from national thought leaders, plan for the future, and collectively advance deeper learning. The energizing event includes a Portrait to Practice Expo where educators share artifacts, lessons learned, and insights that illustrate
how 21st century learning becomes a reality for students.
learn more about the Annual Event
"The EdLeader21 Network Annual Event is energizing. I look forward to it. I hone my leaderships skills, and I connect with my own team. We've brought teachers, district administrators, and building leaders. To get into a space with colleagues from all over the country who have a similar desire to create world-class experiences for students is really powerful."
AMY CASHWELL | Superintendent, Henrico County Public Schools, VA
SPRING SUPERINTENDENT SUMMIT

Each spring, superintendents from Edleader21 Network districts recharge, learn, and connect with colleagues from across the nation. This interactive, collaborative experience helps district leaders apply compelling new thinking, research, tools, and practices to scale and sustain deeper learning across their district.