Media Teleconference at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 11
CER Press Release
Washington, D.C.
February 11, 2013
Jeanne Allen, Founder and President of the Center for Education Reform (CER), today announced she will be stepping aside as President of the Center, effective November 1 of this year — the organization’s 20th anniversary — a move that signals a nod to the next generation of education reformers. Through October, Ms. Allen will continue to serve full-time as president, advancing the organization’s many strategic goals and setting a course for the future. Ms. Allen is working with The Center’s staff and Board of Directors on leadership transition, and related announcements can be expected in the coming months.
“I started CER 20 years ago on an idea, a wing and a prayer,” said Ms. Allen. “I am so proud that with the help of countless donors, parents, activists and exceptionally talented staff members CER has become the ‘go-to’ organization for education reform in America. Though I will transition out of the day-to-day responsibilities of President, I am excited by the prospect of doing even more to advance the cause of education reform through additional channels. The Center will remain the leading advocate for substantive, structural change in American education, and educational excellence remains an unmet imperative for the vast majority of children in this nation. I look forward to helping CER’s future leadership build on our 20 year record of turning the dream of excellence into reality.” After October, Allen will remain involved in the organization, on the Board, coaching new leadership and continuing to provide guidance and strategic counsel.
Allen founded CER in 1993 “to bridge the gap between policy and practice and restore excellence to education by making education reform mainstream.“ In those two decades, the Center’s activities have spawned a generation of reforms and new actors, and together they have had an enormous impact. CER’s influence and services reach more than 2 million people every year and have contributed to the drafting and adoption of more than 100 education statutes in 40 states. CER has been a constant presence in the media, with more than 160 million media impressions annually. Because of its ongoing involvement in community efforts nationwide, CER has accumulated or created in excess of 300,000 resources that have advanced education reform efforts across the country.
“Jeanne has worked tirelessly and effectively for over 20 years to bring education reform and quality education to America’s students,” said longtime CER Director and education entrepreneur Chris Whittle. “It is no exaggeration to say that because of Jeanne’s efforts, millions of students are receiving a better, higher quality education.”
The Center has been working on a smooth succession plan and will be making announcements in the coming months regarding personnel particulars. The organization continues to honor its original mission, and to plan for the future of education reform, a movement that still faces many obstacles and remains critical to the well being of the nation. The Center’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled for October 9, 2013 in Washington, DC, will honor Allen and CER’s founding Board, and salute CER’s new leadership team.
Media Teleconference: Ms. Allen will host a teleconference at 1:00 p.m. EST today to take any
questions about today’s announcement.
Conference Participant Instructions:
1. To ensure participation and registration, please dial in by 12:50 p.m. EST to the Access Number 1.800.434.1335.
2. When prompted, enter your Participant Code followed by #.
3. Your Participant Code is 867641#.
Access an audio recording of the teleconference here.
Click here to read “A Nation At Risk, A Movement Ahead: The Future of CER“