Meet The 100 - Independent School Innovators 2026

Meet The 100 

Independent School Innovators 2026

Nearly 600 educators shared their work with us for the inaugural cohort. Our panel read every application and selected 100 for their outstanding work in curriculum, AI, and leadership.  

Among them: a Latin teacher chairing her school's AI task force. A transition programme for students with autism aged eighteen to twenty-one, designed backward from outcomes instead of assembled from life-skills binders. Six years of grading rebuilt from the mission statement down to the last rubric.

On November 16–17, we’re bringing these educators together in Orlando for The 100 Summit to learn from one another and see what might travel beyond the schools where it began.

Educators counts
600+

educators applied for The 100

Schools count
300+

schools
represented

Educators nominate count
215+

educators nominated their colleagues

States count
36

states and two countries in the mix

The schools behind the work

Across more than 300 schools, educators are questioning assumptions, redesigning systems, and trying new approaches to some of education’s oldest challenges.

Choate Rosemary Hall logo
Lawrenceville School Logo
Durham Academy Logo
Menlo School Logo
MICDS Logo
The Episcopal Academy Logo
Hackley School Logo
Iolani School Logo
Phillips Exeter Academy Logo
The Masters School Logo
Ransom Everglades School Logo
The Nueva School Logo
The Blake School Logo
Miss Porter's School Logo
The Dalton School Logo

The 100: 2026 cohort

All 100
Curriculum Innovation
AI and Emerging Technologies
Leadership and Systems Change
Alexander Morris-Wood
Alexander Morris-Wood

Head of School, Franklin Academy, East Haddam, CT

Amelia Hobson
Amelia Hobson

Maker Studio Specialist, The Galloway School, Atlanta, GA

Angela Mackenzie
Angela Mackenzie

Director of Innovation & Learning Technologies, St. Margaret's Episcopal School, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Ashley Bonet
Ashley Bonet

Director of Women in Science and Engineering, Westover School, Middlebury, CT

Ashley Reed
Ashley Reed

Innovation and Technology Director, Rambam Day School Temple Beth Am, Miami, FL

Ben Thrash
Ben Thrash

Head of School, Barrie School, Silver Spring, MD

Beth Nichols
Beth Nichols

Program Area Leader for Math & Computer Science; Academic Innovation Coordinator, Lakefield College School, Lakefield, ON, Canada

Bill Lyon
Bill Lyon

Assistant Head of Middle School, The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA

Bobby Bardenhagen
Bobby Bardenhagen

Director of Educational Technology, The Athenian School, Danville, CA

Bodo Heiliger
Bodo Heiliger

Head of School, International School of Portland, Portland, OR

Brandon Hazzard
Brandon Hazzard

Innovation Lab Instructor, Orangewood Christian School, Maitland, FL

Brandon Walker
Brandon Walker

Head of Middle School, Presbyterian School, Houston, TX

Camille Moody McCue, PhD
Camille Moody McCue, PhD

Director of Innovation, The Meadows School, Las Vegas, NV

Carla Federman
Carla Federman

JK-12 History & Social Sciences Department Chair, Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School, St. Louis, MO

Carmella Bojarzin
Carmella Bojarzin

Lead Teacher, The Learning Spectrum Northeast, Johnstown, OH

Celeste Bolin
Celeste Bolin

Executive Director, One Stone Lab School, Boise, ID

Colleen Ferguson
Colleen Ferguson

IB Diploma Coordinator, Upper Canada College, Toronto, ON, Canada

Corrien Elmore-Stratton
Corrien Elmore-Stratton

Founder & CEO, Freedom Arts Academy, Philadelphia, PA

Damion Walker
Damion Walker

Assistant Head, Upper School, Upper Canada College, Toronto, ON, Canada

Dani Filas
Dani Filas

Innovation & Technology Strategist, Presbyterian School, Houston, TX

David Ayers
David Ayers

Associate Head of Middle School, Mount Vernon School, Atlanta, GA

David Boxer
David Boxer

CIO, Blake, Minneapolis, MN

David Sykes
David Sykes

Director, Hudson Scholars and Upper School Economics Teacher, Hackley School, Tarrytown, NY

Dawn M. Pilotti
Dawn M. Pilotti

McRae Family Foundation JK-12 Faculty Chair of Mathematics, Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN

Debra Jacoby
Debra Jacoby

Computer Science & Instructional Technologist, Pine Crest School, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Dianne Drew
Dianne Drew

Head of School and Global Education Director for the Dwight Network, Dwight, New York, NY

Douglas Kiang
Douglas Kiang

AI Educator, Menlo School, Atherton, CA

Dr. Britt SchlaeGuada
Dr. Britt SchlaeGuada

Coordinator of Innovative Practices, Upper School Science Department Chair, Chemistry and Environmental Science Teacher, The Athenian School, Danville, CA

Drew Ishii
Drew Ishii

Mathematics Department Chair, Sage Hill School, Newport Coast, CA

Elizabeth Simison
Elizabeth Simison

Dean of Academics, Miss Porter's School, Farmington, CT

Ellen Q Devine
Ellen Q Devine

Director of Pedagogical Innovation and Emerging Technology, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT

Erin Nordlund
Erin Nordlund

Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, Chadwick School, Palos Verdes, CA

Faye Furutomo
Faye Furutomo

Director of Educational Technology Systems, 'Iolani School, Honolulu, HI

Giovanni Paolo Romeo
Giovanni Paolo Romeo

Dean of Academics & IB Coordinator, Navajo Preparatory School, Farmington, NM

Gloria Zimmerman
Gloria Zimmerman

Academic Coach and Lead Educator, Renton Prep, Renton, WA

Gregory Sukowaty
Gregory Sukowaty

Director of Educational Technology/AI Coordinator, Milwaukee Montessori School, Milwaukee, WI

Gretchen Kellough, PhD
Gretchen Kellough, PhD

Upper School Academic Support Coach, The Nueva School, San Mateo, CA

Hayley Roberts
Hayley Roberts

Director of Teaching & Learning, The John Thomas Dye School, Los Angeles, CA

Heather Adams
Heather Adams

Program Leader, English and Modern Languages, Lakefield College School, Lakefield, ON, Canada

J. Thomas ("Tom") Woelper
J. Thomas ("Tom") Woelper

Head of School, Cheshire Academy, Cheshire, CT

Jacqui Byrne
Jacqui Byrne

Founder, FlexSchool, Berkeley Heights, NJ

Jane Beckwith
Jane Beckwith

Director of Teaching & Learning, Holland Hall, Tulsa, OK

Jason Hult
Jason Hult

Dean of Teaching and Learning, The Masters School, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Jeanette Lovett
Jeanette Lovett

Director of Studies, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH

Jennifer Parnell
Jennifer Parnell

Teacher, History Department and Director of Innovation and AI Projects, The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ

Jennifer Santi
Jennifer Santi

Director of Technology, Mount Vernon School, Atlanta, GA

Jessica Merrick
Jessica Merrick

Director of Teaching & Learning, Ransom Everglades School, Coconut Grove, FL

John Neiers
John Neiers

CIO/Director of the New Lab for Teaching and Learning, The Dalton School, New York, NY

Josh Lake
Josh Lake

Director of Technological Innovation, Science Teacher, Pomfret School, Pomfret, CT

Julia Ewart
Julia Ewart

Grade 6 Teacher, McLean School, Potomac, MD

Julia Rubin
Julia Rubin

Upper School Director of Teaching and Learning, Crystal Springs Uplands School, Hillsborough, CA

Justin Cerenzia
Justin Cerenzia

Buckley Executive Director, Center for Teaching & Learning, The Episcopal Academy, Newtown Square, PA

Justin Kingsley
Justin Kingsley

Director of Technology Innovation, Carrollwood Day School, Tampa, FL

Kader Adjout
Kader Adjout

Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, Beaver Country Day School, Chestnut Hill, MA

Kalyan Balaven
Kalyan Balaven

Head of School, Dunn School, Los Olivos, CA

Kristen Graham Klein
Kristen Graham Klein

Associate Head of School, Durham Academy, Durham, NC

Kyle Young
Kyle Young

Director of AI in Teaching and Learning and Upper School French Teacher, Hathaway Brown School, Shaker Heights, OH

Kylie Poppen
Kylie Poppen

Head of Innovation and Strategy, One Stone, Boise, ID

Lade Akande
Lade Akande

Director of Wellness, University High School of Indiana, Carmel, IN

Laila Abdelal McClay
Laila Abdelal McClay

Associate Head of School, The Bay School of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

Lauri Nichols
Lauri Nichols

Chief Instruction and Assessment Officer, Renton Prep, Renton, WA

Lenora Sansbury
Lenora Sansbury

Director of Auxiliary Services, Spartanburg Day School, Spartanburg, SC

Lincoln Smith
Lincoln Smith

Technology and Learning Coach, Upper Canada College, Toronto, ON, Canada

Lindsey Cullins
Lindsey Cullins

Director of Academic Innovation and Faculty Growth, The Episcopal School of Dallas, Dallas, TX

Lindsey Onusko
Lindsey Onusko

Director of Programs and Curriculum, Country Day World School, Largo, FL

Ling Lam
Ling Lam

Director of Technology & I-Lab, Helios School, Sunnyvale, CA

Liz Nicholas Helfant
Liz Nicholas Helfant

Associate Head for Academic Affairs, Ravenscroft, Raleigh, NC

Liz Perry
Liz Perry

Assistant Head of School for Academics, St. Luke's School (SLS), New Canaan, CT

Lizzie Rogal
Lizzie Rogal

Head of School, Millennium School, San Francisco, CA

Louis Tullo
Louis Tullo

Chief Information and Innovation Officer, Ravenscroft School, Raleigh, NC

Lucas Jacob
Lucas Jacob

Digital Wellness & Media Literacy Specialist, Avery Coonley School, Downers Grove, IL

Lynn A. Mittler
Lynn A. Mittler

JK-12 English Department Chair, MICDS (Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School), St. Louis, MO

Magee Lawhorn
Magee Lawhorn

Director of Archives & Special Collections, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH

Marivi C. Mata
Marivi C. Mata

World Languages Dept. Chair & Global Programs Coordinator, The John Cooper School, The Woodlands, TX

Mary Kerr
Mary Kerr

Teacher, Drew School, San Francisco, CA

Mary White
Mary White

Director of Digital Integration & Innovation, Augusta Preparatory Day School, Augusta, GA

Mat Saunders
Mat Saunders

Director of Global Studies - History Teacher - Founder and Director of AFAR, Davidson Day School, Davidson, NC

Matt Scully
Matt Scully

Director of Digital Integration & Innovation, Providence Day School, Charlotte, NC

Matthew Gerber
Matthew Gerber

Chief Innovation Officer, Western Reserve Academy, Hudson, OH

Maureen Gassert Lamb
Maureen Gassert Lamb

AI Task Force Chair, Language Department Chair, Latin teacher, Miss Porter's School, Farmington, CT

Megan E. Barnes
Megan E. Barnes

Director of Education Technology, Early Childhood - 4th Grade, The Episcopal School of Dallas, Dallas, TX

Meghan Schneider
Meghan Schneider

Senior Associate Director of College Counseling, Director of Charger Connect, Upper School Diversity Coordinator, Shorecrest Preparatory School, St. Petersburg, FL

Michelle Hirschy
Michelle Hirschy

Digital Wellness & Media Literacy Specialist, La Jolla Country Day School, La Jolla, CA

Michelle Zimmerman
Michelle Zimmerman

Director of Teaching and Learning Sciences, Renton Prep, Renton, WA

Morgan Paige Towle
Morgan Paige Towle

English Dept Chair and Teacher, Ensworth High School, Nashville, TN

Naomi Schlesinger
Naomi Schlesinger

Social Studies Teacher & Department Coordinator, Village Community School, New York, NY

Nathan David Lill
Nathan David Lill

Head of Upper School, Saint George's School, Spokane, WA

Nathan Kraai
Nathan Kraai

Director of Innovation, The Fenn School, Concord, MA

Nelle Andrews
Nelle Andrews

Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, Miss Porter's School, Farmington, CT

Nisa Frank
Nisa Frank

Head of School, Prospect Sierra, El Cerrito, CA

Page Stites
Page Stites

Director of Middle and Upper School, The Field School, Washington, DC

Pascal Vallet
Pascal Vallet

Junior School Principal, United Nations International School, New York, NY

Peter Mathis
Peter Mathis

Director of the Middle School, Winchester Thurston, Pittsburgh, PA

Phú Trầnchí
Phú Trầnchí

Head of School, TREE Academy, West Hollywood, CA

Rachel Lugo
Rachel Lugo

Middle School Teacher, Researcher, Founder of Futurise-Edu, McLean School, Potomac, MD

Regina Calarie Hoffman
Regina Calarie Hoffman

Film Educator, Windward, Los Angeles, CA

Rich Lehrer
Rich Lehrer

Director of Academic Innovation and Design, The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, Las Vegas, NV

Ron Schildge
Ron Schildge

Chief Information Officer, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Potomac, MD

Sara Gould
Sara Gould

Dean of Academic Affairs, Franklin Academy, East Haddam, CT

Shannon L Hill
Shannon L Hill

Upper school Spanish teacher, The John Cooper School, The Woodlands, TX

Spencer Burrows
Spencer Burrows

Equity and Civic Engagement Coordinator, Pacific Ridge School, Carlsbad, CA

Stacy Penson
Stacy Penson

Head of School, Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom, Miami Beach, FL

Stephanie Bramlett
Stephanie Bramlett

Director of Equity and Inclusion, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH

Stephanie Kinkel
Stephanie Kinkel

Academic Architect, STEM/Humanities Guide, Millennium School, San Francisco, CA

Stephen Fitzpatrick
Stephen Fitzpatrick

Director of Debate & History Teacher, Hackley School, Hackley School, Tarrytown, NY

Stuart Grauer
Stuart Grauer

Head of School Emeritus, The Grauer School, Encinitas, CA

Talia Krahling
Talia Krahling

Teacher, Drew School, San Francisco, CA

Tim Quinn
Tim Quinn

Chief Academic Officer, Miss Porter's School, Farmington, CT

Timothy J. Powers
Timothy J. Powers

Head of School, Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH

Vinnie Vrotny
Vinnie Vrotny

Director of Innovation and Technology, The Kinkaid School, Houston, TX

The 100 Summit

What happens next

Across two days, the people behind the innovations will share what they’re building, learning, and still figuring out – through keynotes with Jay McTighe and Denise Pope, practitioner-led workshops, panel conversations with Trevor Hoyt and Laura Ross, and poster sessions with fellow school leaders. We’ll turn those ideas into next steps through action-planning and conversations designed to carry the learning beyond the Summit.

Up to 20 travel scholarships are available based on financial need or access considerations. Scholarships will cover Summit accommodation.

16–17th November The Balcony, Orlando

The 100 was never meant to be only about 100 people.

Request a Summit Seat

The 100 is grounded in the belief: innovation in schools becomes more powerful when people learn from one another. And we want more people in that conversation.

If you applied to The 100 this year, or simply see yourself in the work happening here, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us a little about yourself and why you’d like to join us in Orlando.

Nominate an educator

This form is for educators interested in attending the Summit and is separate from The 100 cohort.

Thank you so much for sharing your interest! We will get back to you with the confirmation soon.

What our reviewers said about this year’s applications

Jay McTighe
“Each one reflects a genuine passion to improve student engagement and learning, and the educators who submitted their innovation are to be commended!”

Jay McTighe

Author & Educational Consultant

Frequently asked questions

An independent panel of thought leaders and school leaders including: Jay McTighe, Denise Pope, Eric Hudson, Laura D. Ross, Connie White, Adina Victor and Trevor Hoyt.

Five criteria, each scored 1 to 3, for a total out of 15: Demonstrated Innovation, Evidence of Impact, Sustainability by Design, Degree of Influence, Commitment to Equity. The framework is grounded in Schooling by Design.

The 2026 cohort, selection panel, and invited contributors are attending the Summit. A limited number of additional seats are also available by request.

Every applicant receives a Certificate of Contribution and a Contributor to Innovation badge. Applications are not carried forward automatically, so 2027 needs a fresh submission.





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World’s most powerful AI suite for K-12 schools

Save up to 10 hours every week. Streamline your work, amplify your impact.

Curriculum Design Assistant

Built to elevate every stage of curriculum design - from courses to units to lessons

Testimonial feature
Assignment Builder

Give Toddle AI broad strokes and generate worksheets, questions, assessment tools & more in seconds

Assignment Builder
Feedback & Grading Assistant

Let a smart AI assistant take the first pass at evaluating student work, and cut your grading time in half

Feedback & Grading Assistant
AI Tutors

Let students chat with Plato, practice French & debug code with AI tutors. Personalise help and feedback

AI Tutors
Progress Reports Assistant

Write reports in minutes. Synthesise student data into personalised, evidence-based comments

Progress Reports Assistant
Writing Assistant

Generate high-quality first drafts for your announcements, messages, incident reports & more in a click

Writing Assistant