Karin Chenoweth

Karin Chenoweth is a leading education writer whose extensive reporting and research have influenced the national dialogue on public schools. A graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism, Chenoweth developed a broad career in journalism, serving as senior writer and editor at Black Issues In Higher Education (now Diverse), reporter and editorial editor at the Montgomery Journal, and stringer for UPI in Ankara, Turkey. For five years, she wrote the "Homeroom" column on schools and education for The Washington Post.

Chenoweth is the author of several books focused on high-performing and rapidly improving schools and districts serving large populations of students from low-income families and students of color. Her debut, "It's Being Done: Academic Success in Unexpected Schools," was recognized by Education Next as one of the top five education books of the decade and profiles 15 schools, concluding with a list of 25 shared characteristics. She continued with "HOW It's Being Done: Urgent Lessons from Unexpected Schools" and co-authored "Getting It Done: Leading Academic Success in Unexpected Schools" with Christina Theokas, a study of 33 leaders from 24 schools used in educational leadership programs nationwide.

Drawing on years of research, "Schools That Succeed: How Educators Marshal the Power of Systems for Improvement" explores how leaders in neighborhood schools serving low-income students and students of color have implemented new systems focused on improvement. In "Districts That Succeed: Breaking the Correlation Between Race, Poverty, and Achievement," Chenoweth examines effective school districts, using national research and in-depth reporting to profile five districts that have disrupted the link between race, poverty, and achievement. Collectively, these books document strategies used by educators to ensure high achievement for all students and have shifted the conversation toward how schools can support student learning.

At The Education Trust, Chenoweth served as writer-in-residence, where she also created the "ExtraOrdinary Districts" podcast. The podcast highlights the challenges and successes of school districts committed to research-based improvement and student achievement. Chenoweth received the Millman Award for her contributions to education research and has presented at conferences including Oklahoma Visions 2020, Title I principal conferences in Virginia and Maryland, the Iowa Governor's Education Summit, the Illinois Coalition of High Schools, and the American Federation of Teachers' QuEST conference.

After retiring from The Education Trust, Chenoweth launched Democracy and Education, an initiative addressing issues such as book bans, curriculum restrictions, and the marginalization of LGBTQ+ students. The project includes a website, podcasts, news links, issue briefs, and guidance for prospective school board candidates. Through the "Democracy and Education" podcast, Chenoweth interviews individuals involved in school board work across the country, discussing the challenges and solutions they encounter. Her career spans investigative journalism, book authorship, podcasting, and public advocacy, emphasizing the role of public education in American democracy.