With nearly two decades of experience in American public education, Dewayne McClary has established himself as a prominent leader committed to transforming learning opportunities for students across the United States. His career reflects a steadfast dedication to the principle that guides all his professional endeavours: “Doing Right By Students Every Day”.
Currently serving as the Deputy Superintendent of Innovation, Student Pathways, and Opportunities for the Virginia Department of Education, McClary holds a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape for the state’s young people.
This position represents the latest chapter in a career marked by leadership at local, national, and now state levels. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Senior Director of Partnerships and Development at Zūm, an organisation focused on student transportation solutions, demonstrating his ability to bridge the gap between educational needs and private sector innovation.
McClary’s journey in educational leadership includes significant tenures at influential national organisations. As the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at engage2learn, he worked to support public school districts in developing comprehensive talent development systems for educators.
His time as Senior Director of Networks and Partnerships at Digital Promise saw him leading the League of Innovative Schools, a national network of forward-thinking school districts.
Before these roles, he served as the Director of Educational Technology and Library Programs for District of Columbia Public Schools, where he was instrumental in supervising the district’s transition to one-to-one student technology initiatives.
His professional background is notably diverse, encompassing experience in rural South Carolina, the suburbs of Virginia, and the urban environment of Washington D.C.
This breadth of exposure has equipped him with a deep understanding of the varied challenges facing public education across different communities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Francis Marion University and an Executive Master’s in Leadership from Georgetown University.
His contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed; he has been named among the Global Forum for Education and Learning’s Top 100 Visionaries in Education and EdTech Digest’s Top 100 Influencers in EdTech.
Through each of his roles, from classroom teacher to state leader, McClary continues to advocate for digital equity and student-centred innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the pursuit of excellence in modern education.
