John White
About John White
Chief Success Officer John White
John White currently holds the position of Chief Success Officer. In this role, he draws on his extensive experience and expertise in education to drive success and innovation in his organization. His career is marked by a series of leadership roles where he has made significant contributions to educational systems and policies.
John White's Tenure as Louisiana State Superintendent of Education
John White served as the Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, where he was instrumental in unifying the state's fragmented early childhood education system. He modernized the curriculum and professionalized educator preparation. White's initiatives provided new pathways to prosperity for high school graduates, culminating in the state's class of 2019 having 5,000 more graduates than the class of 2012. His efforts also resulted in a 167% increase in students earning Advanced Placement early college credits, and Louisiana ranked first nationwide for improvement in 8th grade mathematics on the NAEP in 2019.
Reformation of Public Schools Post-Hurricane Katrina
As Superintendent of the Louisiana Recovery School District, John White led the reformation of public schools in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. His leadership was pivotal in the recovery and restructuring efforts, significantly impacting the educational landscape of the city during a critical period of rebuilding.
John White's Early Career and Professional Background
John White began his career as an English teacher at William L. Dickinson High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. He subsequently served as Deputy Chancellor for the New York City Department of Education under Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Chancellor Joel Klein. White also held positions as Executive Director of Teach For America in both Chicago and New Jersey, showcasing his commitment to advancing educational opportunities from early in his career.
John White's Academic Background
John White earned a bachelor's degree with distinction from the University of Virginia. He furthered his education by obtaining a master's degree in public administration from New York University. His academic achievements have provided a solid foundation for his extensive work in education reform and administration.
Co-Founding Propel America
John White is a co-founder of Propel America, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting recent high school graduates with quality first job opportunities. Propel America aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring young adults can transition smoothly into the workforce with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.