David Levin

David Levin
Name	David Levin
Known for	Co-founding KIPP, educational leadership
Education	Yale University
Awards	Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education

David Levin is an American educator and co-founder of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), a national network of public charter schools. A graduate of Yale University, he began his teaching career in Houston, Texas through the Teach For America program. His innovative work in developing character education and driving student achievement has positioned him as a leading figure in the charter schools movement and education reform in the United States.

Early life and education

David Levin was raised in a family that valued academic achievement and public service. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he earned a degree in history. His time at the Ivy League institution exposed him to critical discussions on social equity and urban policy. Inspired to address educational disparities, he joined the Teach For America corps upon graduation, a decision that would directly shape his future career path and foundational philosophy.

Career

Levin’s teaching career began at Bastian Elementary School in Houston Independent School District, where he taught fifth grade. In 1994, alongside fellow educator Mike Feinberg, he founded the first Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) academy in Houston. The success of their model, which emphasized extended school days, rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, and strong school culture, led to the establishment of a second KIPP school in the South Bronx. Under his leadership as Superintendent of KIPP New York, the network expanded significantly, influencing the broader charter school sector. He later served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Relay Graduate School of Education, an institution focused on training teachers and school leaders.

Contributions to education

Levin’s most significant contribution is the co-creation and scaling of the KIPP framework, which integrates academic rigor with a focus on character development. He collaborated with psychologists Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson to adapt their work on character strengths into the KIPP model. This integration emphasized traits like grit, zest, and optimism, which became central to the network’s approach. His advocacy for data-driven instruction and a culture of high expectations has been widely studied and replicated. Levin’s work has been cited in numerous publications, including studies by the Mathematica Policy Research and the Stanford University Center for Research on Education Outcomes.

Leadership and advocacy

As a leader, Levin has consistently advocated for policies that support high-quality public school options, testifying before the United States Congress and engaging with policymakers. He has been a vocal proponent of the charter school model as a laboratory for innovation within public education. Through his role at the Relay Graduate School of Education, he worked to redefine teacher and principal preparation, emphasizing practical training and residency models. He has also served on various boards and advisory committees, including for the Robin Hood Foundation and the New York City Department of Education.

Awards and recognition

For his transformative impact, David Levin has received several prestigious awards. He is a recipient of the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education, one of the field’s highest honors. He has also been recognized by Ashoka as a leading social entrepreneur. His work with KIPP has earned accolades from organizations like the Broad Foundation and the Doris & Donald Fisher Fund. In 2011, he was named to the NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 list.

Personal life

David Levin maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing his public engagements on his professional mission in education. He is married and has children, and his family life in New York City informs his understanding of the community needs served by schools. He is known to be an avid reader, with interests spanning history, psychology, and biography, which continually influence his approach to leadership and educational philosophy.

Category:American educators Category:Charter school advocates Category:Yale University alumni