What are the key competencies of a modern-day leader?
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles talks with Laura Hilger, Carmen Coleman and Estrada for a rich conversation on what it takes to be a modern-day leader in education. Together, they explore the essential competencies needed to lead in today’s dynamic learning environments—highlighting adaptability, learner-centered mindsets and systems thinking. Tune in for insights on how leadership must evolve to support deeper, more equitable learning for all students.

Student Excellence and Equity 2035
The Vision Coalition of Delaware sought KnowledgeWorks’ Jason Swanson and Jon Alfuth expertise in creating their 10-year vision published in Student Excellence and Equity 2035.

Leadership and the Portrait of a Leader
In this episode, host Keri Beach chats with educational leaders Casey Lefler and Laura Hilger about their leadership journeys, what it takes to be an effective educational leader, and the Portrait of a Leader resource.

Navigating Change with Systems Thinking and Future Readiness
Over at Waters Center, Katie King, senior director of strategic engagement at KnowledgeWorks, explores the ways systems thinking and future readiness help navigate change and prepare us for what’s on the horizon.

Community Members Help Develop Portrait of a Graduate
Laura Hilger, director of teaching and learning, speaks to the local paper in Minnesota about the KnowledgeWorks partnership with Pipestone Area Schools to create a Profile of a Graduate.

The Rachael Maves Podcast featuring Bill Hite
CEO and President Bill Hite shares his journey from coach to district leader and his current work in personalized, competency-based learning.

That’s a Wrap on SXSW EDU 2025
KnowledgeWorks’ SXSW session is featured in the final wrap video at 1:27.

Youth-led Agency and Advocacy
This article from the American Evaluation Association provides links to helpful resources including this article from KnowledgeWorks on the role of a teacher in a personalized, competency-based classroom.

Six States Join Network to Advance High School Innovation
With funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and in partnership with KnowledgeWorks, NASBE has launched a network to build the capacity of state boards to enable high school transformation.

Capita in Conversation with Katie King
In this episode, Capita’s Chief Strategy Officer Caroline Cassidy sits down with Katie King, senior director of strategic engagement at KnowledgeWorks to revisit the first-ever ten-year forecast focused on the flourishing of young children and their families co-developed by Capita and KnowledgeWorks in 2019.

Leadership for Personalized, Competency-based Learning
At Aurora Institute, Shelby Taylor tells about the formation of the Portrait of a Leader and why it matters.

KnowledgeWorks Unveils its Portrait of a Leader
This press release announcing the new Portrait of a Leader resource is featured on K-12 Industry Dive.

A New Education Architecture: New Goals, Learning Experiences and Signals
KnowledgeWorks resources and supports for education leaders and policymakers at the local, state and federal levels are referenced on page 25 of this Getting Smart resource. The document also references the High School Transformation State Network (page 22) — an effort by KnowledgeWorks, the Carnegie Foundation and the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) — to improve alignment in education, workforce and policy.

How to Have a Conversation About Transformational Leadership
Aurora Symposium participant Gary Chapin reflects on the Portrait of a Leader sessions led by KnowledgeWorks, emphasizing their intentionality, structure and the diverse minds shaping KnowledgeWorks’ upcoming resource.