Dave Levin

Dave Levin is a native of New York City, where in 1995 he co-founded – and currently serves as superintendent of – KIPP NYC, the family of all KIPP programming in New York City.

After graduating from Yale University in 1992, Levin joined Teach for America and taught fifth grade in Houston, Texas. In 1994, he co-founded the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) with Mike Feinberg and won the Jefferson Award for outstanding community service in the city of Houston. In the same year, he earned Teacher of the Year honors from his school in Houston and an outstanding teaching award from Teach for America. Passionate about innovative teaching, Levin co-authored KIPP Math, a comprehensive math curriculum for students in grades five through eight that culminates in students completing a two-year high school Algebra I course by the end of eighth grade. Levin also has a master's in education from National Louis University.

In 2007, Levin, along with Norman Atkins from Uncommon Schools and Dacia Toll at Achievement First, co-founded Teacher U, which later evolved into the Relay Graduate School of Education. This institution is dedicated to preparing teachers with robust academic and practical skills, enabling their students to succeed in college and beyond. Additionally, Levin launched the Character Lab in 2012 to promote research-based approaches to character education. He is also a founder of Zearn, a non-profit dedicated to pioneering innovative digital learning methods.

Throughout his career, Levin has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Presidential Citizen's Medal and an Ashoka Fellowship. He actively participates in the leadership of the KIPP Foundation, KIPP NYC, Relay Graduate School of Education, the Character Lab, and Zearn. His innovative approaches to education reform and character development are highlighted not only through his involvement in education but also in popular educational literature, such as Jay Matthew's "Work Hard, Be Nice" and Paul Tough's "How Kids Succeed."

Levin's role in expanding KIPP from two schools serving 400 kids to a nationwide network with 200 schools serving 80,000 students demonstrates his significant impact on education in the United States. He continues to focus on instructional innovation, leadership development, and teacher training to advance the quality and reach of KIPP's educational programs. Levin resides in NYC with his family and two dogs, Bubbles and Rocket, balancing his professional endeavors with personal commitments.