About the National Action Commission
The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) announces the launch of a National Action Commission, a new national collaborative designed to improve schools and communities by lifting up hyperlocal solutions and building systemic change, such as place-based, Community Schools, and whole-child strategies. IEL is uniquely positioned to lead the Commission and drive rapid impact through its reach of over 460 districts representing 12 million students, thousands of organizational partners across the country, 30+ state coalitions focused on these strategies, and over a dozen networks, including 55,000 school, district, and community leaders.
The Commission brings together leaders across philanthropy, education, business, community organizations, and policy to elevate effective strategies, align resources, and guide investments in community-led solutions.
The Commission will accelerate progress in communities nationwide and exemplifies IEL’s commitment to collaboration and local leadership.
Commission Updates
- March 2025: Institute for Educational Leadership Announces Dr. Bernadine Futrell as Senior Fellow
- May 2025: IEL Launches National Action Commission to Improve Schools Through Community Power
- September 2025: Institute for Educational Leadership Kicks Off Superintendents Network During Deloitte University Visit, Driving National Action Commission Work Forward
IEL Superintendents Network
The Superintendent Network provides a space for leaders in this role to connect with a community of peers and take part in exclusive learning opportunities.
National Commissioners
- Dr. Bernadine Futrell, IEL Senior Fellow & Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education
- Dr. Ellen Galinsky, Co-Founder, Families and Work Institute; Author of The Breakthrough Years and Mind in the Making
- Dr. Karen Mapp, William and Miriam Meehan Professor of Practice in Adult Learning and Professional Development, Harvard University
- Dr. Pedro A. Noguera, Distinguished Professor of Education, Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean, U.S.C Rossier School of Education
- Gina Patterson, Executive Director, Virginia School Boards Association
- Dr. Robert Peters, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Successful Practices Network and the National Dropout Prevention Center
- Christian Rhodes, Chief National Impact Officer, Harlem Children’s Zone
- Dr. Felicia Cummings Smith, President, National Center for Families Learning
- Anibal Soler, Superintendent, Yonkers Public Schools, NY
Alongside Dr. Futrell, the Commission is led by IEL President Eddie Koen, Chief Programs Officer Kwesi Rollins, and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Dr. Helen Janc Malone.
Dr. Pedro A. Noguera
Dean, Rossier School of Education, USC
Dr. Robert Peters
Vice President and Chief Academic Officers, National Drop Out Prevention Network
Dr. Bernadine Futrell
Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education
Christian Rhodes
Chief National Impact Officer, William Julius Wilson Institute at the Harlem Children’s Zone
Dr. Ellen Galinsky
Co-Founder of Families and Work Institute (FWI) and author, The Breakthrough Years, A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens
Gina Patterson
Executive Director, Virginia School Boards Association
Dr. Karen Mapp
William and Miriam Meehan Professor of Practice in Adult Learning and Professional Development, Harvard University
Anibal Soler
Superintendent, Yonkers School District
Dr. Felicia Cummings Smith
President, National Center for Families Learning
Partners
Supporting Organizations
We invite peer organizations to join us in supporting the National Action Commission as we develop a bold, actionable roadmap for strengthening schools and communities. As a Supporting Organization, you can serve as a peer reviewer, share expertise on place-based and hyper-local solutions, and stand with us in our commitment to ensuring every community has great schools. Add your organization to our growing list of supporters by clicking this link today.