Creating Space for Innovation

Joel created School of One while serving as the Chief Executive for Human Capital at the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). That model evolved into a math program called Teach to One: 360, which is now used by thousands of students across the country. Joel has published articles about personalized learning, innovation, and school models in The Atlantic, Education Nation, and EdTech Magazine. He has spoken at numerous convenings, including the Aspen Institute Ideas Festival; NBC’s Education Nation; and the annual conferences for the American Federation of Teachers, National School Boards Association, and National Association of Independent Schools. Joel holds a B.A. in political science from Tufts University and a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law; and is also a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow at the Aspen Institute.

Early in the development of School of One, I put together and led a team of architects while at the American Architectural Foundation to co-conceive with the School of One Joel and his education team and new prototype for the School of One “classroom”. Over several years we continued to work with School of One and New Classrooms to refine the design of the learning space for this transformative educational program.

I recently visited with Joel about his strategies for introducing non-traditional strategies in public schools and the challenges and opportunities connected with being an agent of change in American education.