Gradient Learning launches search for its next leader
When Andrew Goldin took over as Executive Director of Gradient Learning in 2019, he anchored his leadership vision around two key questions.
How does a classroom with students of varying education backgrounds and academic abilities make progress so that they are on track for success?
How do educators build relationships with each student around their unique needs and interests—the types of genuine connections that inspire a love of learning?
Four years later, Goldin has spearheaded tremendous progress nationwide in helping educators achieve success in those areas and positioned Gradient Learning to be at the forefront of reimagining education in the years ahead.
Now, in his ongoing and tireless pursuit to improve student outcomes, Goldin has decided to transition out of his Executive Director role.
“With my own personal interests more rooted in hands-on work, this is the right time for me personally and professionally to move on,” Goldin said. “I couldn’t be more excited and confident about the future direction of the organization.”
Goldin will continue as an advisor for Gradient Learning and help work with his successor to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Gradient Learning is currently searching for a new Executive Director with the expectation to have someone in place by the end of the year.
“We want to thank Andrew Goldin for his leadership and partnership with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative,” said Sandra Liu Huang, CZI’s Head of Education. “Together, we have made such meaningful progress and change in the education space, and we wish him well on his next endeavor.”
Goldin, who joined Summit Public Schools as Chief of Schools in 2015, became Chief Program Officer for Summit Learning in 2018. A year later, Goldin’s steady leadership played a key role in the successful launch of Gradient Learning and the transition from Summit Public Schools.
Under Goldin, Gradient Learning worked with nearly 400 schools across the country (impacting nearly 4,000 educators and 75,000 students) to ensure that all students are equipped with what they need to reach their full potential.
In 2020, Goldin was quick to help and motivate Gradient Learning’s partner schools in their pivot to remote learning during the pandemic. Goldin also inspired innovative solutions and tools such as Along to keep students and teachers connected no matter the learning environment.
Along, a free offering of Gradient Learning and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, has established itself as a powerful student-teacher connection builder that has been recognized for numerous awards in the past year, including being named a “Best Invention” by TIME.
In 2021, Gradient Learning was named one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators—and was the highest-ranked education company among the top 100. Goldin said being singled out for innovation was a direct result of a strong company culture that he was honored to lead.
“At Gradient Learning, one of our top priorities is the well-being of our employees,” said Goldin, who began his education career as a middle school science teacher in the Bronx, New York, and later became a principal of two YES Prep Public Schools in Houston, Texas. “When employees feel supported, empowered, and able to bring their whole selves to work, we are able to deliver the best possible support and partnership to schools and teachers across the country.”
Gradient Learning is grateful for Goldin’s thoughtful and bold leadership and looks forward to continuing to rebuild education for years to come.
A search for a new Executive Director is underway. If you know someone who would be an ideal candidate, or would like to alert those in your network, please share this information about the role and application process. The firm conducting the search is reviewing applications through June 15, 2023.