New CEO Will Lead Danielson Group’s Next Chapter

A DG Announcement

June 11, 2024

Read more on the DG Blog here.

The Danielson Group, home of Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching, is pleased to announce that Lee Kappes has been appointed CEO. Lee previously served as the Danielson Group’s Director of Program Development, Growth, and Impact and draws on a long and distinguished career in classroom teaching and system leadership.

The Framework for Teaching is by far the world’s most popular, research-validated and actionable definition of effective instruction.

“There are many important ideas for improving educational outcomes, and every one of them relies on excellent teaching,” said Charlotte Danielson, author of the original Framework for Teaching and founder and board member of the Danielson Group. “I have known Lee for many years and she is a strong and effective educational leader. Lee is an expert practitioner who improves student outcomes by building community among educators and those who support them,” added Danielson.

Kappes assumes the CEO role at a pivotal time for the teaching profession and for public education. “Teaching is complex and adaptive work, especially in these times of historic technological, political, and social change. The Framework creates clarity and a shared language for teachers to pursue collective efficacy through collaborative inquiry,” remarked Kappes, who worked for 18 years as a classroom teacher before becoming a union president, director of teaching and learning for an urban school district, and assistant director for practice at the Aspen Institute’s Education & Society Program.

“Only when teachers are learning themselves can they create optimal learning experiences for students. I am incredibly excited to expand the professional community that already engages with the Framework to focus on instructional excellence and Charlotte’s vision to bring great teaching to every classroom. The Danielson Group is ready to support our partners in making Charlotte’s vision a reality in their schools." emphasized Kappes.

Lee and Charlotte recently collaborated on an update to the Framework for Teaching that reflects the latest research and lessons from the field; this enhanced version is already available online for free download and will be published in book form by ASCD this fall. Preorders will be accepted this July.

“The Framework represents a common touchstone for teachers, instructional coaches, system leaders, and policymakers who are committed to elevating the teaching profession,” commented Danielson Group Board Chair Monica Santana Rosen. “Under Lee’s leadership, the Danielson Group is poised to transform professional learning for teachers and whole systems of schools. It could not be a more opportune moment for the Danielson Group and for the field,” concluded Rosen.

About The Danielson Group

The Danielson Group works with school systems across the country and around the world to empower their teachers to be their best by creating professional learning programs and policies that provide the right levels of support all along a teacher’s career path. Since its founding in 2003, the Danielson Group has worked with thousands of schools and tens of thousands of educators to advance the teaching profession in service of student learning and development.

Upcoming Opportunities To Engage With The Danielson Group

The Danielson Group team is here to design, develop, and support, implement, and facilitate professional learning that acknowledges and builds upon the wisdom of educators. Our professional learning programs provide opportunities to strengthen and advance excellence in instructional practice. This summer, take advantage of online courses, blended and facilitated trainings, and more. Explore here.

To talk with a Danielson Group expert, see our team here. To inquire about a partnership or specific opportunity, click here.