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Educate. Innovate. Inspire.

Helping create next-generation education systems.

Our Mission

Advancing K-12 education through innovation in teaching, learning and leadership, we bring together students, teachers, researchers, policymakers and educational professionals to foster collaborations that improve education for all learners.

2023 Friday Medal Ceremony Honors Longtime North Carolina Educator and Education Leader Tom Williams in North Carolina

On Thursday, Nov. 16, Tom Williams, president of Strategic Educational Alliances, Inc., was honored as the recipient of the annual Friday Medal award during a ceremony at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. This award honors significant, distinguished and enduring contributions to education and beyond through advocating innovation, advancing education and imparting inspiration.

Image of three people: two women on either side of Friday Medal recipient Tom Williams. Tom is a man in a suit and tie holding a medal in a black frame. The women on either side are both wearing blazers and are standing in front of a red background
A kindergarten teacher helps a girl and boy with a class activity.

80,000+

Educators served online since March 2020

160

Countries represented in Friday Institute online courses since March 2020

50


U.S. states represented in online courses since March

When I think of the Friday Institute, I think of support, partnership, collaboration, innovation. When I’m in a box and I need thought leadership on any of those areas, my first turn is to the Friday Institute.

Image of Anthony Jackson

Dr. Anthony Jackson

Superintendent, Chatham County Schools

Meet our Executive Director

Krista D. Glazewski—an expert in problem-based learning, scaffolding and teacher professional development—became the executive director of the William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation and associate dean for translational research with NC State’s College of Education on July 1, 2023.

Krista Glazewski, a woman with brown hair pulled back, a black blazer, red blouse and glasses, speaks to a colleague at a table.

The Friday Institute convenes and connects stakeholders to catalyze change and innovation in education. See below for the resources we provide to the groups we serve and partner with.