Dr. John L. Brown

Dr. John L. Brown is currently a writer-in-residence at AASA, The School Superintendents Association. In that role, he has authored multiple publications and professional development products, including co-authoring (with Dan Domenech and Mort Sherman) two best-selling books, Leading Social-Emotional Learning in Districts and Schools: A Handbook for Superintendents and Other District Leaders and Personalizing 21 st Century Education: A Framework for Student Success. At AASA, he has also been responsible for co-authoring multiple grants involving such focus areas as facilitating communities of practice, social-emotional learning, and 21 st century leadership (including grants from the GATES and Annenberg Foundations).

Dr. Brown has held numerous educational leadership roles during his career, including Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction (Alexandria City Public Schools, VA), Director of Professional Development (Prince George’s County Public Schools [PGCPS], MD), and Supervisor of the University High School (PGCPS). He has also taught Curriculum and Instruction courses at Trinity College, Washington, D.C., and Johns Hopkins University. In addition, he has been an educational consultant for multiple years, including membership in the ASCD trainer cohorts for Understanding by Design, What Works in Schools, and Dimensions of Learning.

As part of his work with ASCD, Dr. Brown published a wide range of books, articles, and professional development resources. These include The Hero’s Journey: How Educators Can Transform Schools and Improve Learning (selected as an ASCD “Member Book”); Making the Most of Understanding by Design; A Handbook for the Art and Science of Teaching (with co-author Robert J. Marzano); and Observing Dimensions of Learning in Classrooms and Schools. He has consulted in every state in the United States as well as a range of professional development workshops conducted in Canada, Bermuda, Barbados, and Puerto Rico. His areas of expertise include social-emotional learning, research-based instructional best practices, curriculum design and implementation, and performance assessment.

Dr. Brown received his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Program Development at George Mason University (VA) and his M.A. and B.A. Degrees in English at the University of Wisconsin. He has received a range of honors, including Outstanding Central Office Leader (PGCPS) and Maryland English Teacher of the Year.