Joel Klein

Joel Klein is currently the CEO of Amplify, a company dedicated to transforming teaching and learning experiences through technology. This role follows his tenure as the Executive Vice President of the Education Division at News Corporation, a position he held since 2011 after stepping down as Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, the largest public school system in the United States.

During his time as Chancellor, Klein was recognized for his significant impact on public education. New York magazine listed him among the most influential people in this field. He managed over 1,450 schools with more than 1.1 million students and 136,000 employees, handling a budget of $15 billion. His leadership saw a rise in high school graduation rates by 20 points, marking over a 40% increase due to the comprehensive reform program "Children First." Klein's goal was to overhaul the troubled public school system and ensure that every student graduated with the necessary skills to participate fully in society.

Before his role as Chancellor, Klein's career was distinguished by significant legal and executive positions. He served as Assistant U.S. Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division, where he directed landmark cases against major corporations, achieving significant legal victories. His appointment to the U.S. Justice Department followed his tenure from 1993 to 1995 as Deputy White House Counsel to President Bill Clinton. Klein's early career included roles such as law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court, associate and partner in private legal practice, and co-founder of the law firm Onek, Klein & Farr. His academic contributions include serving as a visiting and adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, and he has earned several honorary degrees from prestigious institutions like Columbia University, Duke University, and Georgetown Law Center.

Klein's advocacy for public education reform continues as he emphasizes the importance of integrating technology in education, advocating for the use of tablets over traditional textbooks to create better learning environments. His efforts aim to address fairness, equity, and global competitiveness in education. Klein's extensive experience and ongoing work in education make him a pivotal figure in discussions about the future of educational practices and policies.