About this episode
This week, Jeff celebrates the recent Cognia/AASA partnership aimed at improving educational leadership by having Dr. Mark Elgart of Cognia and Dr. David Schuler of AASA on the show. They discussed the importance of leadership within the community, building trust, and the necessity for continuous improvement. Mark and David also talk about new skill sets required for future leaders, the need for support systems that adapt to these evolving demands, and the significant role leaders play in shaping education. Throughout, Mark and David also discuss the power and potential of the organizations they lead working together.
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Dr. Mark A. Elgart, Ed.D., serves as president and Chief Executive Officer. Elgart works closely with government agencies and other leading education-focused organizations to help establish the policies, strategic vision, and actions to propel and transform the learning experience so that every learner is prepared for the rapidly and ever-changing global world. Under his leadership Cognia was established, following the merger of AdvancED and Measured Progress, to bridge the gap between school evaluation and student assessment. Dr. Elgart provides vision and leadership for a global nonprofit in over 80 countries, 36,000 institutions serving and supporting nearly 25 million students and 5 million educators every day. Cognia is an undeniable force for enhancing schools, engaging students, and driving better outcomes for all learners. Elgart’s professional experience includes serving as a mathematics and physics teacher; a middle and high school administrator; and a middle school principal. Elgart earned a bachelor’s in mathematics from Springfield College, a master’s in education from Westfield State College, and a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts.
Dr. David R. Schuler, Ph.D., has empowered educational leaders and inspired young minds to achieve success in, and well beyond, school house walls and district lines for more than two decades. As the ninth Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, he brings a forward-thinking approach and a strong track record in strategic innovation, legislative advocacy, team building, and educational leadership. Dr. Schuler’s 22-year career as a school superintendent in rural, urban, and suburban settings in two Midwestern states is marked by a dedication to enhancing student achievement and readiness for college, career, and life beyond high school. Dr. Schuler is leading the next iteration of AASA’s Learning 2025 Network, a project that envisions a future where education is a transformative force. His leadership has been acknowledged with various accolades, such as being the Superintendent of the Year at both state and national levels.