Dr. Brett Jacobsen serves as Head of School for Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta, GA. Redefining school, Brett advocates for a new kind of framework for this generation of students. A 21st century framework for redesigning student success and demonstrating student mastery requires all learning communities to develop a relevant and innovative learning and assessment map for each student; recognizes the critical process of employing a variety of approaches and methodologies in order to engage and motivate students of this generation; and prioritizes the training and development of teachers in a fast paced digitally-based global marketplace.

Leading Mount Vernon through a transformational period, Brett launched the Mount Vernon Institute for Innovation (MVIFI) comprised of The Center for Design Thinking, The Center for Global Competitiveness, and The Center for Citizen Leadership. Focused on addressing local and global challenges, MVIFI cultivates public-private partnerships to foster creative collaboration at the intersections of the marketplace, education sector, nonprofit and civic communities. 

A national leader in design thinking, Brett and his MVIFI team lead //fuse – an annual summit sharing Mount Vernon’s process in design thinking as a way to increase the critical mass of public and private schools immersed in human-centered problem solving.

Brett shares and expands his influence through his blogging, tweeting, and presenting at regional and national conferences. He also hosts a podcast – Design Movement, a 21st century learning and leadership conversation with business leaders, educational innovators, and nonprofit trailblazers. He serves as a board member on Leadership+Design, advisory council member for EdLeader21, a proud member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2013.

 

A native of Texas, Dr. Jacobsen received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Texas Tech University, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston, and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Baylor University, with a dissertation on “Teacher Perceptions Relating to Fostering Resilience in High School Students.”