Margaret Jean Gaston

Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning. Currently serving as Executive Co-director of the Center. Responsibilities include:

• Leadership/Administration: provide oversight and direction to all Center management staff and contractors
• Finance: prepare and monitor Center budget and guide it through the annual review and approval process with the board of directors. Ensure that the appropriate auditing and accounting practices are followed, and the Center funds are invested in a manner consistent with board policy
• Communications: ensure regular and effective communications with the board of directors and with other education reform organizations, state and local education agencies, and the general public
• Development: raise funding for both the general operations of the Center and specific initiatives
• Planning: establish long- and short-range work plans that are consistent with the mission and goals of the Center
• Project Management: provide guidance and direction to staff and contractors to ensure that the goals and objectives of Center initiatives are reached
• Accountability: ensure that the individual activities and the overall work of the Center are carefully and regularly evaluated
• Networking: represent the Center on high-priority working groups and policy committees, and through participation in professional conferences and meetings

Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning (1996 to 1998). Served as Senior Fellow with the Center. Responsibilities included:

• Daily operations of the Center: ensured that the Center's day-to-day operations ran smoothly and were designed and coordinated to lead to the successful completion of the work plan
• Personnel management: oversight responsibilities for all personnel matters associated with Center staff, contract employees, and temporary help as appropriate
• Product and Service oversight: contributed to the design and supervised the development of products and services sponsored by and through the Center
• Development: Actively sought support for the Center's work through writing proposals and answering questions from current and prospective funders as appropriate
• Board communications: ensured that the Board of Directors was fully informed on the status and evaluation of the Center's activities
• Evaluation: oversight responsibilities for the evaluation process, provide day-to-day guidance to the evaluation contractors, and ensured that the annual evaluation was complete and delivered on time

Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning (1995-1996). Established the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning:

• Developed a private and public constituency base for support of the Center, and audience for the Center's products
• Secured funding for operations and programs from private and corporate foundations
• Prepared and delivered briefings for foundation board members, public officials, and other stakeholders
• Recruited and seated a Board of Directors
• Designed infrastructure, hired staff, established administrative routines, and supervised daily operations
• Recruited for and guided the hiring of an executive director

Private and Community Foundations (1987-1997). Consultation services provided for foundation presidents and program officers on a wide range of public school initiatives. Responsibilities included:

• Advised foundation presidents and program officers on grants to public schools and private organizations
• Worked with applicants to prepare proposals for staff review
• Contributed to Board of Director's dockets, including abstracts, analyses, and recommendations
• Visited and evaluated projects, advise grantees on effective program strategies
• Provided information on effective instructional practice, school finance, State and Federal programs, legislation, and public policy

California Department of Education (1981-1990). Administered Specialized Secondary Program, a program of state supported grants focused on the preparation of talented, under-represented youth for careers in business and industry, or advanced work at the college level. Responsibilities included:

• Developed Request For Proposals, reviewed and selected candidates, worked with grantees, and provided on-going evaluation
• Administered funding
• Fostered business-industry-school alliances and acquisition of local resources for on-going program support
• Advised the Superintendent of Public Instruction on implementation of the grant
• Prepared and delivered briefings for Senate and Assembly members and their staffs

Administrator, Office of School Improvement (1983 to 1987). The School Improvement Program.

Administered California School Improvement Program (SIP), including a budget averaging $350 million. Developed and distributed Elementary and Secondary School Program Quality Review Criteria, Handbooks, Self-study Guides, and training manuals. Conducted School Program Quality Reviews for all schools receiving Consolidated Application Funding (approximately $800 million). Collaborated in the design of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)/CDE joint accreditation package for secondary schools. Developed and distributed the School Program Planning Guide for Elementary Schools. Worked with Assembly and Senate members and staff on related legislation. Worked with the Superintendent of Public Instruction on priority projects, including the Ravenswood Tinsley Case.

Coordinator, California Community Education Project (1982-1983). Administered Chapter II School/Community Partnership Grants. Developed state-wide Community Education Policy Advisory Board, and worked with membership to promote community-based activities at the local level. Prepared and delivered reports to the State Board of Education, Senate, and Assembly.

Consultant, Consortia Support Services (1981-1982). Worked with local school communities to develop and implement school improvement strategies and special programs for children and youth.

Vice Principal (1981). University High School, San Diego, CA.

Special Projects Coordinator (1975-1981). Poway Unified School District, Poway, CA.

Teacher, Kindergarten, Grades 1-3 (1971-1975). Poway Unified School District, Poway, CA.