Ember Reichgott Junge, former Minnesota State Senator and author of the first charter school law, recounted the origins and evolution of charter schools. The first charter school, City Academy, opened in 1992, serving students who had dropped out. Today, charter schools are in 44 states, including Guam and Alberta, Canada, with over 7,000 schools serving […]
2008
2008 Charter School Hall of Fame: Ember Reichgott Junge
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Ember Reichgott Junge recounts her pivotal role in the establishment of charter schools in Minnesota, inspired by a speech from Al Shanker at an education reform conference. Despite initial opposition from teachers’ unions and Democrats, she persisted in advocating for charter schools, which offer autonomy and independence. […]
2008 Charter School Hall of Fame: Yvonne Chan
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Yvonne Chan, a Chinese immigrant who arrived in the U.S. with $100 and limited English, became the principal of Vaughan Street School in 1990 amidst a severe gang problem. She transformed the failing elementary school into a charter school with the support of parents and teachers. Chan […]
2008 Charter School Hall of Fame: Linda Brown
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Linda Brown is celebrated for her pivotal role in the charter school movement, particularly in Massachusetts. Her dynamic personality and visionary leadership led to the establishment of numerous charter schools, with plans to expand to 12,578 students across 8-9 cities by 2010. Brown’s impact is evident in […]
