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About bravEd

bravEd...

...was founded in 2009 by John Tanner, chief architect behind the Benefits-Based Accountability™ approach in education. Born out of research and a belief that accountability should empower schools — not hinder them — bravEd exists to fundamentally rethink how we measure and communicate the work of educators such that trust is the natural outcome.

The mission has always been clear: to replace compliance-based, test-driven accountability systems with ones rooted in trust, clarity, and what truly matters to communities. And do so regardless of whatever policies exist. Accountability was always supposed to be a discipline of leadership and not just a political football. Learning the discipline is the first step to ridding ourselves of the political football.

Since its founding, the bravEd message has sharpened, our tools have matured, but the mission remains unchanged.

bravEd Is Tackling One of Public Education’s Biggest Challenges

There’s growing momentum — political and otherwise — to dismantle public education. Part of the problem? For decades, the profession has lacked a meaningful, professional-grade accountability system.

The reasons are complex, but all that matters now is that we fix it.

Without a clear and compelling way to explain what schools do and why it matters, others have stepped in to define that story for us — often with narratives that are incomplete, misleading, or outright harmful.

It’s time for educators to take back the narrative. To tell the truth about their work in ways that communities understand, value, and repeat.

Accountability should support students, schools, parents, and communities — not work against them.

At bravEd, we’ve spent the last 15 years working alongside schools to build a better approach. And now, we’re ready to help even more do the same.

Where You Fit In

Whether you’re just beginning to question the status quo or you're ready to lead change in your school or district, bravEd has a place for you:

  • Just getting started? Enroll in the next Seminar Series to learn the foundations of Benefits-Based Accountability.
  • Prepared to lead change? Join at the Membership Level that is right for you and build your Benefits-Based Accountability System.
  • Already a veteran? The Community of Practice allows us all to stay connected and push for lasting transformation.
  • Advocacy? 8 Ways to Trust is for you.

Welcome to bravEd

Let’s fix accountability. Together.

Our Team

John Tanner
Founder

John Tanner is bravEd's founder. He is the author of The Pitfalls of Reform and The Accountability Mindset, both of which help serve as the foundation for this work. His public speaking and writing efforts help drive the Benefits-Based Accountability movement. 

Dr. Joey Hailpern
Associate

Joey is our Associate tasked with content development and a variety of client relationship functions. A former principal and current school board member, he has a clear sense of how the bravEd work applies to a variety of roles.

Dr. Joseph Scherer
Chief Ambassador

Joe is our Senior Ambassador who leads our Membership recruitment efforts. He has managed a gubernatorial campaign, worked with elected officials, taught at every level from middle school through graduate school, been appointed to positions at AASA, the PTA, the Office of Education, and the Department of Health. That richness is what makes him the perfect lead to champion this work.

Our Ambassadors

bravEd relies on a group of dedicated professionals who help champion our mission. These are individuals with a variety of responsibilities who believe that a better way of accounting for what we do in schools is a worthwhile goal. At bravEd, we are extremely grateful for their advocacy on our behalf. This group continues to grow as our reach expands. Let us know if you'd like to join the effort.

Tracy Fisher, Coppell, TX

Tracy is a remarkable advocate for public education. She has long supported transformative efforts in her community as a parent as a school board member, including a term as president. She has long promoted benefits-based accountability and curiosity-driven learning, collaborating with stakeholders statewide to improve policies for all children. Recognized as the inaugural "Texas School Board Advocate of the Year" in 2021, Tracy remains committed to supporting public education across the state and beyond.

Dr. Rich Fry, Director of District Engagement & Success at New Story Schools, President of NCTLS, Newvillle, PA

Dr. Fry is a retired superintendent and like most retired superintendents, he has a hard time staying retired. He keeps his fingers in multiple roles and organizations including bravEd. He recently co-founded the National Center for Transformational Leadership Strategies, where he serves as an Associate Partner as well as its President.

Dr. Greg Goins
Director of the Educational Leadership Program, Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY

Dr. Greg Goins is a veteran school administrator, teacher, author, speaker, and podcaster with more than 25 years of experience leading transformative change within education. Dr. Goins pent 15 years as a school district superintendent in Illinois. He is also an Educational Consultant (G2 Ed Solutions) and the host of the nationally acclaimed Reimagine Schools Podcast.

Dr. Jim Lloyd
Superintendent, Olmsted Falls City Schools, Olmsted Falls, OH

Dr. Lloyd just completed his 10th year as the superintendent for the Olmsted Falls City School District. He believes that by engaging all stakeholders through the collaborative process public education can elevate the lives, dreams and aspirations of the community. He's living proof of what a Benefits-Based approach to accountability can do for a school.

Randy Nelson,
President, Driftless Leadership,
La Crosse, WI

Randy Nelson is a retired educator of 38 years. He served students as a high school speech, theater, and English teacher. He served colleagues as a director of curriculum and instruction, and most recently in La Crosse, WI school district as its superintendent of schools. Through his company, Driftless Leadership, Randy keynotes and provides recruiting, mentoring and coaching services for leaders and organizations.