ASCD Impact Award Winners
Denise Forte, President and CEO, The Education Trust
Denise Forte, president and CEO at The Education Trust, is a prominent advocate for education equity, and was named among Washingtonian's 500 Most Influential People for two consecutive years. With a focus on evidence-based strategies, she leads efforts to create high-achieving learning environments, bridging gaps for students of color and those from low-income backgrounds.
Forte joined Ed Trust in 2019, initially serving as senior vice president for partnerships and engagement, expanding the organization's reach. In January 2023, she assumed the role of president and CEO. Her extensive public service includes 20 years on Capitol Hill and tenure in the Obama administration's Department of Education.
Nathan R. Monell, CAE, Executive Director, National PTA
Since 2015, Nathan R. Monell has been the executive director of the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the oldest and largest child advocacy association in the U.S., encompassing over 20,000 local units, primarily in Title I schools. Dedicated to realizing every child's potential, PTA, with millions of members, focuses on strong family, school, and community partnerships. Monell's leadership at PTA involves advancing family engagement and public policy to enhance the educational success and well-being of children nationwide.
His extensive career includes strategic advocacy for youth and families, fostering care, mental health, and education, and operating at local, state, and federal government levels. Monell is also actively involved in the Prometheus Consortium and the Learning First Alliance. Prior to his work with National PTA, he worked for the National Council of Community and Education Partnerships and Foster Care Alumni of America.
Transformational Learning Leader Winner
Terri Pérez, Director of Professional Learning, Harmony Public Schools
As Director of Professional Learning for Harmony Public Schools, one of Texas's largest charter networks serving over 44,000 students, Terri Pérez has pioneered key leadership development initiatives, including a principal residency and a mentoring program for new school leaders. With over 20 years in education, Terri remains deeply committed to exploring ways in which adult learning can enhance educational equity and improve student outcomes.
ASCD Distinguished Districts
Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Annapolis, Maryland
Mark Bedell, Ed.D., Superintendent
Heidi O’Gilvie, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent, Professional Growth and Development
Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) is the vibrant educational hub for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, serving over 80,000 students. As the fourth largest school system in Maryland and the 39th largest in the United States, AACPS is a dynamic force in shaping the academic landscape. The mission of AACPS is not merely academic – it's a commitment to nurturing and empowering every student. AACPS aims to equip students not only for academic success but also for active community engagement, seamless career entry, and higher education, fostering a generation capable of crafting a better quality of life for themselves and the communities they serve.
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, Cypress, Texas
Douglas Killian, Ph.D., Superintendent
Linda Macias, Ed.D. Chief Academic Officer/Associate Superintendent
Situated in the vibrant landscape of Harris County, Texas, the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) is a powerhouse of education. Boasting its headquarters in the heart of innovation, CFISD is not just a school district, it's a dynamic hub that caters to the aspirations of over 114,000 students. The driving force behind CFISD is a bold mission to propel each student toward their maximum potential. Through cutting-edge and meaningful learning experiences, CFISD is not just preparing students for the future – it's shaping them into 21st-century global leaders, ready to conquer challenges and redefine the educational landscape.