IEL’s National Action Commission (NAC) brings together cross-sector leaders to advance community-driven solutions, align resources, and accelerate lasting systemic change that strengthens schools and improves outcomes for young people nationwide.
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
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- September 2025: Institute for Educational Leadership Kicks Off Superintendents Network During Deloitte University Visit, Driving National Action Commission Work Forward
- August 2026: NAC hosted a Listening & Learning Series to help inform the national conversation around what great Community Alignment Leadership looks like – what is needed to bring schools, families, community organizations, and other partners together for stronger outcomes for children and families. These sessions were part of NAC’s work to develop the Community Alignment Leadership Roadmap—a practical guide that defines the skills, knowledge, and practices needed to lead this work well. Session 1 featured Dr. Bernadine Futrell, and commissioners Ellen Galinsky and Dr. Aníbal Soler, Jr. Session 2 featured Dr. Futrell alongside Dr. Eric Rosser and commissioner Christian Rhodes.
- October 2026: NAC was honored to host a session at the annual Grantmakers for Education (GFE) conference on October 14th in New York City. the NAC Roadmap to Designing Systems for Transformative Change. Thank you to the Kellogg Foundation’s Jazmin Edwards, Dr. Bernadine Futrell, and our commissioners Dr. Felicia Cumings Smith and Dr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
After GFE, NAC hosted Superintendents and philanthropic partners for site visits at Harlem Children’s Zone and Yonkers Public Schools to showcase partners doing great work around community alignment leadership.
- 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. Felicia Cumings-Smith, President, National Center for Families Learning
- 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. Aníbal Soler, Superintendent, Yonkers Public Schools, NY
Alongside Dr. Futrell, the Commission is led by IEL Interim President Kwesi Rollins and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Dr. Helen Janc Malone.
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.