Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Jim Griffin, a law student in Colorado, found himself inadvertently becoming a key figure in the charter school movement when he offered to write about the charter law and the experiences of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. The League, the longest-running charter school association in the […]
National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
2012 Charter School Hall of Fame: Eric Mahmoud and John Schroeder
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools The conversation highlights the history and impact of City Academy, the first charter school in the U.S., which opened on September 7, 1992. Ember Reichgott Junge and Milo Cutter discuss the legislative journey and the school’s pioneering role in chartering. Don Shalvey and Eric Y. Mahmoud detail […]
2011 Charter School Hall of Fame: Jim Peyser
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Jim Peyser’s initial experience as a tutor in Boston public schools sparked a realization of systemic issues within the education system. His encounter with Steven Wilson, who was writing about Boston Public Schools, introduced him to the concept of school districts overseeing a portfolio of charter schools […]
2011 Charter School Hall of Fame: Joel Klein
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools The conversation revolves around the push for educational choice in New York City, particularly for middle-class families who can move or opt for private schools, and the lack of such options for poorer communities. Charter schools emerged as a choice for the latter. Speaker 1, likely former […]
2011 Charter School Hall of Fame: Donald Hense
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Donald Hense, the founder of Friendship Charter School, emphasizes the mission of fostering ethical, literate, and well-rounded students who contribute to their communities. The school, chartered as a multi-campus institution, aims to educate students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a high graduation and college matriculation rate. […]
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 […]
2009 Charter School Hall of Fame: Josephine Baker
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Josephine Baker, a prominent figure in the charter school movement, emphasizes flexibility and effectiveness in education. She values individual approaches and has deep roots in the Washington, D.C. community, which aids her in gaining access to key decision-makers. As a charter authorizer, Baker focuses on providing support […]
2009 Charter School Hall of Fame: Don Shalvey
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Don Shalvey emphasized the importance of high-performing schools with no difference in quality between the best and worst schools. He initiated the first charter school to inspire public schools. Elise Darwish highlighted Aspire’s growth and sustained high quality. Tara Veesart Soto and Jenny Kim praised Don’s dedication […]
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 […]
