The New Hampshire Learning Initiative Announces First Executive Director

The New Hampshire Learning Initiative (NHLI) announced that Jonathan G. Vander Els has joined the organization as its executive director. Jonathan comes to NHLI with a strong background in education, having spent eleven years in administration, the last eight as the principal of a nationally recognized school in the Sanborn Regional School District.

“The opportunity to work with leaders across our state in K-12 education, higher education, workforce development, and business to help prepare New Hampshire’s learners for a complex future is one I am honored to undertake,” Jonathan said.  “New Hampshire has many elements in place already, and I look forward to working in partnership with state leaders, educators, and families to build on these strengths and the current momentum we are experiencing as we provide resources to assist schools and districts in cultivating, aligning, and scaling the next generation of education innovations in our state.”

New Hampshire Commissioner of Education Virginia Barry said, “We are very pleased to have Jonathan coordinating many of our intentional, innovative efforts to provide a seamless, early childhood through college and beyond learning experience in New Hampshire.”  New Hampshire Learning Initiative Chair Bill Duncan added, “We are excited to have found an executive director of Jonathan Vander Els’ experience in New Hampshire education, energy, commitment and qualifications.”

Jonathan holds an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of New Hampshire, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in History, also from the University of New Hampshire.  Jonathan has most recently been actively engaged in a number of the innovative education efforts in the state, including PACE and as a consultant to the New Hampshire Department of Education’s work study practices efforts.

The New Hampshire Learning Initiative has been formed to serve as a catalyst for innovation in education in the State of New Hampshire.  NHLI will oversee the efforts and support the scaling of the important work in New Hampshire toward a fully integrated, competency-based PreK-20 system that supports all students, families, and educators.