Lynne Munson

In 2007, I launched Great Minds® with a vision for a high-quality, content-rich liberal arts education to be accessible to every K–12 student. Responding to educators' call for knowledge-building resources, my team and I moved into curriculum development, starting with the creation of Common Core curriculum maps in English language arts, followed by EngageNY, later evolving into Eureka Math®—now widely used in US schools. Collaborating closely with educators and experts, Great Minds PBC has also developed Eureka Math²™, Wit & Wisdom® ELA, Geodes® books for emerging readers, and PhD Science®—all earning top marks from curriculum reviewers. Under my leadership, we created innovative, content-rich professional learning programs, leveraging classroom teachers to successfully implement new curricula. In 2022, my team and I proudly launched Great Minds Schools, featuring a tuition-free virtual school and a brick-and-mortar public school in partnership with the Florence Unified School District in Arizona. Both are anchored by great teaching, a knowledge-rich curriculum, and the belief that all children are capable of greatness. Before starting Great Minds, I served as Deputy Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. I was the architect of “Picturing America,” which put more than 75,000 sets of fine art images and teaching guides into libraries, K–12 classrooms, and Head Start centers. My efforts extended globally, leading the first post-conflict US government delegation to Afghanistan for cultural reconstruction and contributing to cross-border higher education guidelines at UNESCO meetings. Previously, as a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, I authored "Exhibitionism: Art in an Era of Intolerance" (Ivan R. Dee, 2000), a book examining the evolution of art institutions and art education. I've shared insights on education, arts, and contemporary culture in prestigious publications like the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the New York Daily News. My commitment to education advocacy has led to appearances on major news networks, frequent speaking engagements with education groups, and testimony before Congress on critical research. My educational journey began with an art history degree from Northwestern University, and today, I reside with my family outside of Richmond, Va, committed to ensuring every child has access to exceptional learning opportunities. Another passion involves working alongside my kids on Kosi Wool, a company we founded that sells authentic, handmade Icelandic wool goods.