J. Chris Coxon

Chris is the managing director of programs for Educate Texas, supporting a team working to improve educational outcomes for low-income, minority and first generation students across the state.

This work focuses on four key areas: developing and scaling college and career readiness school models; improving the talent pipeline of teachers and school leaders; promoting access and completion of a degree or credential with labor market value; and developing the civic infrastructure for communities to accelerate academic achievement for all.

Prior to coming to CFT, Chris held a number of educational leadership positions including teacher, teacher leader, district administrator and principal. Before moving back to Dallas, he was the chief academic officer of the Boston Public Schools for five years. During his tenure, the district was designated by the Broad Foundation as one of the top five urban school districts in the nation for improving academic gains for all students and decreasing achievement gaps.

Chris holds a bachlor’s in biology from Benedictine College and and a master’s in education with a focus on administration, planning and social policy from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP / BOARD SERVICE

Chris sits on the board of Mount St. Michael’s Catholic School and supports Catholic education across the metroplex.

Chris has served on a number of other educational boards including the College Board, the Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents and he was a trustee for the Children’s Museum of Boston.