What Inspired Don Nielsen to Write Every School?
In 2014 Don Nielsen wrote a book titled Every School: One Citizen’s Guide to Transforming Education. What inspired him to write the book?
What Phone Call Did You Make Upon Retirement?
Upon retirement you placed a phone call. Who was that first phone call to, and what transpired after that?
What Did You Learn Traveling the Country?
You spent two years traveling the country (visiting 19 states, meeting with 5 Governors) studying K-12 education. Tell us about that journey and some key highlights and takeaways.
Why Did You Visit Colleges of Education?
You also visited several schools of education at colleges and universities. What inspired those visits?
What is Unique about Thomas Jefferson High School?
Why Did You Run for the Seattle Public School Board?
When you moved back to Seattle from Virginia, you decided to run for the Seattle Public School Board. What inspired that, and can you walk us through your years of involvement there?
What Did You Learn on the School Board?
Why Develop a Leadership Institute?
Right before September 11, 2021, you were planning a very important meeting to develop a leadership institute. Share with us about that.
Why Did Harvard Business School Recognize You?
In 2004, you received the Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award. That’s a tremendous honor. What specific program did you provide the vision for at Harvard that contributed toward that recognition?
What Is the Problem with K-12 Public Education?
It’s no secret that today’s U.S. K-12 public education system is not working well. Talk to us about the existing system, the problems, and solutions.