The ExcelinEd National Summit on Education convenes the nation’s leaders in education policy to share what works, what doesn’t and what’s next in education policy. Our 2024 event hosted more than 1,200 legislators, state superintendents, policymakers and advocates in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Featured speakers included former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush; the Rt. Hon. Nick Gibb, former UK Minister of Education; author Johann Hari; and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
ExcelinEd is a national nonprofit transforming K-12 education to ensure success for every child with student-centered, state-based policy solutions. The organization collaborates with partners and education leaders to research, develop and implement policies that prioritize early literacy, empower families with education choice, expand innovation, strengthen school performance and prepare students to transition from education to the workforce.
Jeb Bush, ExcelinEd Chairman and 43rd Governor of Florida, shares his vision for transforming education with proven policies that close learning gaps, expand opportunity, build pathways to in-demand jobs and more. Moderated by: Secretary Katie Jenner, Indiana DOE.
A British policymaker and longtime education leader, Gibb served as Minister of State at the United Kingdom’s Department for Education for more than a decade under four Prime Ministers. Previously he held the positions of Minister for School Standards and Minister for Schools, focusing on improving student achievement and the country’s accountability system. The Rt. Hon. Nick Gibb is a former Member of Parliament (MP), serving in the House of Commons from 1997 to 2024. Moderated by: Eric Cantor, ExcelinEd Board Member.
Johann Hari is an acclaimed author, journalist and thinker known for his work on attention, mental health and social issues. He has written three New York Times bestselling books, including Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention, which explores the reasons behind our declining ability to focus and its impact on society. In addition to his writing, Hari has produced an Oscar-nominated movie and a TV series. Born in Scotland and raised in London, Johann studied Social and Political Science at King’s College, Cambridge. He splits his time between London and traveling the world to conduct research for his books.
Inaugurated in 2023, Gov. Sanders is the 47th Governor of Arkansas, the first woman to serve as governor of the state and currently the youngest governor in the country. Since taking office, Gov. Sanders has enacted transformational reforms that include Arkansas LEARNS, a sweeping overhaul of Arkansas’ education system. Gov. Sanders previously served as White House Press Secretary and in leadership roles for U.S. senators, governors and presidential campaigns. She also served in the U.S. Department of Education during President George W. Bush’s administration. Gov. Sanders is the author of the New York Times bestseller, Speaking for Myself. Moderated by: Romy Drucker, Education Program Director, Walton Family Foundation.