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===== Cami Anderson =====

===== Biography =====

Cami Anderson is an influential figure in the field of education, known for her dedication to improving outcomes for marginalized and at-risk students. Born in Los Angeles in 1971, Anderson grew up in a multiracial household as one of 12 children, with parents who were activists and adopted nine children with special needs. This upbringing instilled in her a passion for addressing inequities in the education system.

Anderson's career has been marked by her commitment to creating effective classrooms where disadvantaged children can thrive. She served as the superintendent of New York City's District 79, overseeing alternative schools, and later became the Executive Director of Teach for America, a renowned organization dedicated to educational equality. Despite facing challenges and controversies, Anderson has been recognized for her efforts to combat issues such as the school-to-prison pipeline, racism, and bias in schools.

Throughout her journey, Anderson has emphasized the importance of continuous learning and growth, particularly in becoming an antibiased, antiracist educator. She founded Operation ABAR to promote Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist (ABAR) values in schools and organizations, reflecting her ongoing commitment to addressing systemic issues in education.

Anderson's legacy is characterized by her unwavering dedication to advocating for marginalized students and challenging entrenched problems in the education system. Her work has earned her accolades, including the Beloved Community Award for Legacy of Service in Education [T5]. Despite the complexities and controversies surrounding her career, Anderson's impact on education and her advocacy for equity and inclusivity continue to shape her legacy in the field.

===== Key Contributions =====

==== The One Newark project ====

Cami Anderson played a pivotal role in spearheading the One Newark project, a major school reform initiative aimed at transforming Newark Public Schools. As the superintendent of the district, Anderson was instrumental in developing a comprehensive 9-point plan that focused on improving teacher quality, instructional practices, infrastructure, and evaluation processes. Under her leadership, traditional schools were closed and replaced with new charter schools, with the goal of providing every student in Newark with access to an excellent neighborhood school. Despite facing challenges and controversies, Anderson's efforts in the One Newark project reflected her commitment to driving positive change and innovation in education, albeit amidst criticism and opposition.

==== ThirdWay Solutions ====

After leaving her role in the One Newark project, Anderson founded [[https://thirdwaysolutionsgroup.com/|ThirdWay Solutions]] in 2015, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding innovative solutions to complex educational challenges. Through ThirdWay Solutions, Anderson launched initiatives such as the Discipline Revolution Project and the 20% Project. The Discipline Revolution Project focuses on closing the school-to-prison pipeline by rethinking disciplinary practices in schools to create positive and culturally affirming environments. The 20% Project aims to improve outcomes for marginalized students, particularly those facing significant barriers to success. Anderson's work with ThirdWay Solutions demonstrates her ongoing commitment to addressing systemic issues in education and advocating for equitable opportunities for all students.

==== The Discipline Revolution Project ====

The Discipline Revolution Project, a key initiative led by ThirdWay Solutions, focuses on transforming disciplinary practices in schools to address equity issues and close the school-to-prison pipeline. This project aims to create positive and culturally affirming classroom environments by rethinking traditional disciplinary approaches, particularly regarding suspensions. By working with districts and individual schools, the Discipline Revolution Project seeks to implement strategies that promote healthy identity development, build deep relationships, empower students and families, enhance social and emotional skills, and foster developmentally appropriate responses to conflicts and incidents. Through this initiative, Anderson and her team advocate for systemic changes that prioritize the needs of marginalized students and promote a holistic approach to discipline in education.

==== The 20% Project ====

[[https://thirdwaysolutionsgroup.com/20-project/|The 20% Project]], another significant initiative led ThirdWay Solutions, focuses on improving outcomes for marginalized students who are considered most at-risk, often referred to as Students who Systems Fail the Most (SSFMs). These students, comprising approximately 20% of the student population, face various challenges such as living below the poverty line, involvement in the court system, special needs, and being disproportionately black or brown. The 20% Project aims to address the systemic failures that hinder the success of these students by placing their needs at the core of decision-making processes within educational institutions. By developing holistic solutions that prioritize the well-being and academic achievement of marginalized students, the 20% Project seeks to create positive outcomes not only for these students but for the entire school community. Through this initiative, Cami Anderson and her team advocate for a more inclusive and equitable approach to education that supports the most vulnerable students.