Tom Vander Ark

Tom Vander Ark

CEO

GETTING SMART

Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises school districts and networks, education foundations and funders and impact organizations on the path forward. Tom is author of Getting Smart, Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, Smart Parents and Better Together and has published thousands of articles, co-authored more than 50 books and white papers. He writes regularly on GettingSmart.com, LinkedIn, and contributes to Forbes. Previously he served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tom served as a public school superintendent in Washington State and has extensive private sector experience. Tom co-founded the first education venture fund, Learn Capital. Tom is a board member for Education Board Partners, Director for 4.0 Schools, Digital Learning Institute, Latinx Education Collaborative, and eduInnovation and Advisor for One Stone, Teton Science Schools and Whittle School & Studios.

Monday, March 30th

4:15 pm
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4:55 pm
K-12, Harbor Ballroom E, Harbor Tower, 2nd Level
Live Stream

The marketplace for edtech is transforming in parallel with the changing demographics of today’s schools. There are more students of color, more students learning the English language, more students with learning differences, and more children living with trauma and adverse…

Tom Vander Ark, Jennifer Carolan, Dan Cogan-Drew

Tuesday, March 31st

2:00 pm
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3:20 pm
Coronado E, Harbor Tower, 4th Level
Live Stream

Placed-Based Education (“PBE”) is an immersive learning experience that “places students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences, using these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other…

Tom Vander Ark, Nate McClennen, Emily Liebtag

Tuesday, March 31st

3:30 pm
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4:50 pm
Coronado E, Harbor Tower, 4th Level
Live Stream

Placed-Based Education (“PBE”) is an immersive learning experience that “places students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences, using these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other…

Erin English, Tom Vander Ark, Chad Carlson

Wednesday, April 1st

2:00 pm
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2:40 pm
Harbor Ballroom C, Harbor Tower, 2nd Level
Live Stream

Difference making is the superpower of the innovation economy. Employers, impact investors, and community leaders are looking for people that can spot opportunity, build a change initiative, and deliver value. This session will highlight the KEEN network of colleges that…

Tom Vander Ark, James Rahn, Sarah Hernholm, Sasha Barab, Chad Carlson, Benjamin Colas