Getting Smart Podcast 221 - Benno Schmidt on Leading Yale, Fixing CUNY, & Launching the Whittle School
Today, the Getting Smart team is bringing you an interview with Benno Schmidt. Benno served as President of Yale University, the Dean of Columbia University Law School, and the CEO and Chairman of Edison Schools (now EdisonLearning). Currently, Benno serves as the Co-Chair of the Global Advisory Board at Whittle School and Studios. He also currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York, the largest urban public university in the world.
30 years ago, Chris Whittle convinced Benno to join him in, and together they built Edison Schools — a pioneer in the charter school movement. Three years ago, they founded Whittle School and Studios. And this month, they’ve opened schools in Washington, DC, and Shenzhen, China.
Join today’s conversation to learn more about Benno’s 40 years in education leadership!
Key Takeaways:
[:14] About today’s episode with Benno Schmidt.
[:50] Tom welcomes Benno to the podcast!
[:55] Benno speaks about his education background and how it affected his career path.
[8:12] Benno speaks about his time spent at Yale University and all that he accomplished there.
[10:40] Benno elaborates on his time spent at the City University of New York.
[15:58] About Benno’s fateful meeting with Chris Whittle.
[18:25] What Benno thinks about the opportunity of being the Co-Chair of the Global Advisory Board at Whittle School and Studios. He also speaks about what they’re working to accomplish, going forward.
[26:48] Benno speaks about what makes Whittle so special.
[28:40] Tom thanks Benno for his 40 years of education leadership and for joining the podcast this week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
EdisonLearning (Edison Schools)
For More on Place-Based Learning, Listen to:Episode 168 for a discussion with Nate McClennen from Teton Science Schools
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