Chris Stewart

An award-winning writer, speaker, and blogger, Chris Stewart is a relentless advocate for children and families. Based in outstate Minnesota, Chris is CEO of brightbeam, a nonprofit media group that runs campaigns to highlight policies and practices that support thriving kids. He was the founding Director of the African American Leadership Forum, was an elected member of the Minneapolis Board of Education, and founded and served as the CEO of Wayfinder Foundation. Above all, Chris is a serial parent, a Minecraft enthusiast, and an epic firestarter on Twitter where he has antagonized the best of them on the political left and right. You’ll often see Chris blogging at citizenstewart.com and “tweeting” under the name “Citizen Stewart.”

Posts By Chris Stewart

U.S. Department of Education

Trump’s War on Education: Why Cuts Labeled As Efficiency Could Destroy Opportunity

I remain attentive to thoughtful perspectives on policy changes impacting our education system. One of the sharpest thinkers I've encountered in this field is Kim Smith, CEO of LearnerStudio. Her...

anti-racism

Attacking Government Bloat Is One Thing. Disabling Education Is Another.

As an education advocate, I've closely monitored discussions from leading practitioners about recent educational policy changes. The current administration's approach to diversity in public education...

Achievement Gap

The NAEPs of Wrath

How did you recognize NAEP Day this year? Many reveled in platitudes and short stories, mostly fiction, told to confirm our biases for this or that educational intervention. I’m reasonably...

Achievement Gap

It's a New Year, But My Mission Remains the Same

As we enter 2025, I reflect on the state of education in America with equal parts concern and determination. The political landscape is shifting again, and Donald Trump's return to office introduces...

student achievement

The School Attendance Problem Isn't Just About Attendance

Alerts from my kids' school district are more common than ever before. There have been many notifications about our kids' tardies and absences. Pre-pandemic, this would have caused a family meeting...

Math

Math Sucks, But Our Kids Can Do It

Let’s be real: math is math. It doesn’t care if you’re Black or White, rich or broke. Two plus two is always four, no matter who’s counting. But in America? Well, math is a vexing straight jacket...