Irvine, Calif., Sep 11, 2014 The education nonprofit MIND Research Institute is bringing aboard Art McCoy, Ph.D., to serve in a new position of Chief Academic Officer and Superintendent-in-Residence. McCoy is an educator, school administrator, author and consultant who most recently served as the first African-American superintendent of Ferguson-Florissant School District in Missouri.
In this new role, McCoy will be based in Missouri and serve nationally as an ambassador and advisor for MIND’s programs with a focus on student achievement and educator efficiency. His work with MIND’s partner schools and districts will help the organization achieve its mission to ensure that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
“Art McCoy shares MIND Research Institute’s vision and passion for transforming math education nationwide for all students, regardless of their background, language barriers or learning challenges,” said Matthew Peterson Ph.D., MIND Research Institute CEO, co-founder and senior scientist. “He is a tremendous champion of children, and we are excited to have him join our team.”
At the age of 19, McCoy began teaching math as the youngest certified teacher in Missouri. He went on to become a public school district administrator, and he has served as an adjunct professor and guest lecturer at the College of William and Mary, University of Missouri, Lindenwood University and Maryville University. He also provides peer review of academic articles and books for Columbia University Teacher’s College.
“I have long been impressed by MIND Research Institute’s commitment to closing America’s achievement gap by providing evidence-based, visual math instruction like ST Math,” said McCoy. “I am excited to take part in the organization’s efforts to promote excellence in math education and engage with the community to create the problem solvers and critical thinkers we need in our society.”
McCoy is also the founder and president of Severing the Achievement Gap in Education of Students (SAGES), a consulting and professional development firm. McCoy has served on numerous executive boards and councils including the Urban League, Midwest Health Initiative, Boy Scouts of America, MO Association of School Administrators, MO School Board Association, Federal Reserve Bank Advisory Committee, St. Louis Magic House, Urban Superintendents Association of America, National Superintendents Roundtable, and as a gubernatorial appointee to the Harris Stowe-State University Board of Regents.
He earned his doctorate of philosophy in education with an emphasis in school leadership, policy studies, postmodern philosophy and mathematics from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, and is an alumnus of Harvard University’s Leadership Institute for Superintendents post-graduate program.
About MIND Research Institute
MIND Research Institute is an education nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems. MIND's distinctive visual approach to math and problem-solving is the basis of its innovative, research-proven ST Math® programs for elementary and secondary schools. MIND's programs currently reach over 630,000 students and 25,000 teachers in 2,050 schools in 35 states. For more information, visit www.mindresearch.org.
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