Pedro Noguera is the Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education at New York University.  He is a sociologist whose scholarship and research focuses on the ways in which schools are influenced by social and economic conditions, as well as by demographic trends in local, regional and global contexts.   Dr. Noguera has published over 200 research and scholarly articles, monographs, research reports and editorials on topics such as urban school reform, education policy, conditions that promote student achievement, the role of education in community development, youth violence, and race and ethnic relations in American society.  Dr. Noguera appears as a regular commentator on educational issues on CNN, MSNBC, National Public Radio and other outlets.

and CEO of Alexandria, Virginia based ASCD, retired in June 2014, after 22 years.  Prior to joining ASCD, formerly known as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Carter was superintendent of schools in the Norfolk Public Schools for nine years. During that time, the American Association of School Administrators selected him as the first "National Superintendent of the Year". Carter also served as a teacher, public school administrator, and university professor. He received his doctorate in instructional and curricular practice from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1973.  Dr. Carter led ASCD's international expansion, advocating for the whole child and healthy school communities on a worldwide level.