Leading Education Professionals: World's Top 30 for 2025
Education professionals play a vital role in shaping the future by empowering students and advancing educational standards. These individuals—including teachers, administrators, researchers, and policymakers—are deeply committed to enhancing educational quality and outcomes. Through innovative teaching practices, relevant curriculum development, and the creation of supportive learning environments, they encourage critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Education professionals also influence policy, advocate for equity and inclusion, and strive to meet the needs of diverse learners. This article highlights the achievements of the top 30 education professionals for 2025, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in the field.
- Eric Jensen
Eric Jensen is an educational leader, author, and expert in brain-based learning. He is best known for his work integrating neuroscience with teaching strategies to enhance educational outcomes. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Development and an M.A. in Organizational Development and has over 30 years of experience in education. Jensen co-founded SuperCamp, a prominent academic enrichment program that has served over 80,000 students in 14 countries and has trained educators globally on neuroscience applications in teaching. He has authored 32 books, including Teaching with Poverty in Mind and Teaching with the Brain in Mind. Jensen is also a member of the Society for Neuroscience and the New York Academy of Sciences. His work continues to influence educational practice, focusing on innovative approaches to learning and educator development.
- Steve Spangler
Steve Spangler is an American STEM educator, author, and television personality celebrated for his contributions to science education. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “most influential people of the year,” he has made over 1,600 television appearances, including recurring segments on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he earned the title "America’s Science Teacher." Spangler’s innovative science demonstrations, such as the viral Diet Coke and Mentos experiment, have gained him a large following on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, with his videos amassing over a billion views. Educators and parents widely use his books and online experiments to foster engagement in STEM education, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
- Anthony Muhammad
Anthony Muhammad, PhD, is an author and international expert on school culture and Professional Learning Communities (PLC). He is the CEO of New Frontier 21 Consulting, offering professional development for schools worldwide. He has over 20 years of experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, and was recognized as Michigan’s Middle School Principal of the Year in 2005. Dr. Muhammad is also an Associate Professor of School Leadership and Culture at Academica University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam. He has authored several influential books, including The Way Forward: PLC at Work and the Bright Future of Education (2024) and Transforming School Culture (2018). He is named among Global Gurus' most influential educators from 2021 to 2024 and is known for his research and advocacy for collaborative school environments.
- Tina H. Boogren
Tina H. Boogren, PhD, is an educator, author, and advocate known for her work in supporting teacher wellness and professional development. With a background that spans roles as classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school leader, Dr. Boogren is the co-director of Solution Tree’s Wellness Solutions for Educators and hosts the Self-Care for Educators podcast. She has authored multiple books, including The Beginning Teacher's Field Guide and 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators, and has earned recognition as one of the Top 30 Global Gurus in Education. Dr. Boogren has earned degrees in education and administration from both the University of Iowa and the University of Denver. She is known for her work that impacts educators worldwide through her workshops, presentations, and dedication to enhancing teacher well-being.
- Baruti K. Kafele
Baruti K. Kafele, also known as Principal Kafele, is an American educator, author, and speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in urban public schools in New Jersey. He started his career as an elementary teacher in East Orange, where the East Orange School District and Essex County honored him as Teacher of the Year. Kafele went on to lead and transform multiple underperforming middle and high schools, notably Newark Tech High School, which earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report for its academic achievements. He is also an accomplished author, having authored eight books, including Closing the Attitude Gap and The Principal 50. He is known for his focus on educational equity and student motivation. His contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Milken National Educator Award. Kafele is a sought-after speaker across North America, delivering keynotes and workshops on topics related to school culture, leadership, and community engagement.
- Dr. Brad Johnson
Dr. Brad Johnson is an educational leader, author, and speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in teaching, administration, and educational leadership. Currently serving as a clinical professor at West Texas A&M University, Dr. Brad Johnson has held numerous roles such as director, dean, and vice president, all aimed at advancing educational practices and strategic growth in higher education. Dr. Johnson has authored 15 books, such as Dear Teacher and Principal Bootcamp, which offer guidance for educators in building effective, supportive classroom and school environments. He is a recognized figure in education and frequently presents on topics of leadership and teamwork. His research includes areas like dual credit programs and student services aimed at enhancing educational outcomes.
- Tom Hierck
Tom Hierck is an experienced educator, speaker, and author whose career in public education began in 1983 and includes work across all grade levels. Known for his motivational presentations, Hierck emphasizes building positive school cultures and effective student-teacher relationships. He has delivered talks throughout North America to educators and community leaders, promoting strategies to foster supportive learning environments. Hierck has authored or co-authored 21 books, including Trauma-Sensitive Instruction, which provides guidance on creating nurturing spaces for students impacted by trauma. His dedication to celebrating the potential in every student and empowering educators has established him as an influential voice in education.
- Diane Ravitch
Diane Ravitch is an American historian of education. She served as Research Professor of Education at New York University from 1994 until her retirement in 2020. She was also a former Assistant Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush, initially supporting educational reforms such as charter schools and standardized testing but later became a prominent critic of these policies. She is the author of numerous influential books, including The Death and Life of the Great American School System, which earned her the Grawemeyer Prize in 2014. She is also the co-founder and president of the Network for Public Education, where she advocates for equitable public schooling. Ravitch’s contributions to education have been recognized with multiple awards and honorary degrees, and her work continues to impact educational policy and practice.
- Elliott Masie
Elliott Masie is a noted researcher, educator, and thought leader in the field of workplace learning and technology, credited with coining the term "eLearning." For over 35 years, he has been at the forefront of integrating technology into corporate learning, leading initiatives through the MASIE Learning Foundation and the Learning COLLABORATIVE, a coalition of global organizations focused on innovative learning practices. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees at Skidmore College, served on the FIRST Robotics Board of Directors, and acted as a pro bono advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense. Additionally, he has been appointed to advisory councils such as the White House Advisory Council on Expanding Learning Opportunities and the CIA University Board of Visitors. Masie has written 12 books, edited the eNOTES newsletter, and has presented to more than 4 million professionals worldwide. Beyond his educational work, he serves as an advisor to corporations, government bodies, and academic institutions and is a Tony-nominated Broadway producer, with credits on productions like Kinky Boots and An American in Paris.
- Erik M. Francis
Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S. is an accomplished educator, author, and international presenter with over 25 years of experience in the field of education. He has worked in various roles, including classroom teacher, site administrator, and education program specialist at the Arizona Department of Education. Francis is the founder of Maverik Education LLC, where he provides professional development focused on creating rigorous and engaging learning environments that promote cognitive rigor and depth of knowledge. He is the author of several influential books, including Now THAT’S a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning and Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning. Global Gurus recognized him as one of the World's Top 30 Education Professionals, committed to enhancing educators' teaching practices through inquiry-driven educational experiences. Francis holds a master’s degree in education leadership from Northern Arizona University and a master's degree in television/radio/film production from Syracuse University. He resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his family.