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Independent school educators set the standard for what learning should look like. They redesign curriculum, bring intentional tools into classrooms, and shape the cultures that carry a school forward. The work is extraordinary and yet, most of it never travels past their own hallways.
The 100 is built to make that exceptional work visible. Each year, 100 educators from U.S. independent schools are selected by a panel of school leaders and education thinkers â including Jay McTighe, Denise Pope, and Eric Hudson â for standout work in curriculum, AI, and leadership. They gather annually to trade hard-won lessons and share what stood the test.
The applications for the inaugural, 2026 cohort, are now open.
We welcome applications from educators driving change across roles:
“The 100 came from a simple belief: when great work becomes visible, it multiplies. One educator’s breakthrough becomes another school’s starting point. And that deserves meaningful recognition.”
Our review panel
Trevor Hoyt
5+ years leading technology at Durham Academy. Pioneered the school's 1:1 mobile learning program. An economist and musician by training who found his calling in education technology.
Jay McTighe
Veteran educator, bestselling author, and co-creator of the UbD framework. His work on curriculum design has reached schools in 47 U.S. states and 38 countries
Denise Pope
Senior Lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Education. Author of "Doing School" and "Overloaded and Underprepared." Nationally recognized for her work on student health, engagement, and school reform.
Eric Hudson
Facilitator and strategic advisor to schools rethinking how learning happens. Former Chief Program Officer at Global Online Academy. 12 years in the classroom before that.
Laura D. Ross
Head of School at Harvard-Westlake. Two decades of experience spanning college counseling, teaching, coaching, and school leadership at some of the country's leading independent schools.
Connie White
Director of Mount Vernon Ventures. Former physics teacher turned innovation strategist. ISTE Outstanding Educator, ATLIS Pillar Award recipient, and EdTech Digest Top 100 Influencer.
Adina Victor
Senior Vice President at Cognia. A career dedicated to accreditation innovation and school improvement across public, private, charter, international, and independent schools worldwide.
Key timelines at a glance
Share the story of what innovation looks like at your school across one of three areas:
- 1. Curriculum Innovation
- 2. AI & Emerging Technology
- 3. Leadership & Systems Change
The 100 Summit
An in-person, invite-only gathering for the first cohort of The 100 where they will share what theyâve built, learn from leaders in the field, and start relationships that outlast the event.
Hands-on workshops
Practitioner-led interactive sessions with fellow school leaders
Conversations with leading thinkers
Sessions led by Jay McTighe, Denise Pope, and other panel members
Mixers and group experiences
Curated meals and evenings to connect beyond the sessions
Why apply
Recognition as one of The 100
Receive an invitation to The 100 Summit 2026, a digital badge and certificate, and access to a growing network of education leaders.
You win. Your school wins.
Being named to The 100 is a reflection of the culture your school has built and the people who made the work possible. Your recognition becomes your schoolâs story too.
Free to participate
There is no cost to participate. Up to 20 scholarships available on a need basis, covering accommodation for the Summit.
Nominate an educator for The 100
Every great school has someone behind the change. Tell us who comes to mind.
Thank you so much for nominating your peer!
We'll be in touch with them soon.
Frequently asked questions
It is an annual recognition that identifies and celebrates 100 educators who are advancing innovation across U.S. independent schools.
Selections are made entirely by an independent panel of educators (including Jay McTighe, Denise Pope, and Eric Hudson), association leaders, and school practitioners. Toddle does not participate in scoring or selection.
No. The 100 is designed as a field-driven recognition. It is open to all independent school leaders, regardless of whether they use Toddle.
The 100 focuses on real, system-level impact, not nominations based on popularity or scale. The process is rubric-based, independently evaluated, and designed to be credible and repeatable.
Most applications take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete.
Yes. You can nominate a peer, and they will receive an invitation to apply.
No. Selection is independent of attendance. The convening is an additional opportunity for selected leaders to connect and collaborate.
There is no cost to apply or to be selected. Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation for the convening.
Still have questions? You can apply or nominate a leader in just a few minutes.
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More than an LMS.
Built for teachers, by teachers, Toddle is an AI-powered teaching & learning platform for progressive K-12 schools and districts. Going beyond a typical LMS, Toddle helps you streamline all your work â from curriculum planning and assessments to progress reports and school-home communication. 2,000+ schools and districts across the world trust Toddle to help teachers reclaim valuable time for what matters most â teaching.
Built for teachers, by teachers, Toddle is an AI-powered teaching & learning platform for progressive K-12 schools and districts. Going beyond a typical LMS, Toddle helps you streamline all your work â from curriculum planning and assessments to progress reports and school-home communication. 2,000+ schools and districts across the world trust Toddle to help teachers reclaim valuable time for what matters most â teaching.
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