Mary Beck

Mary Beck brings more than two decades of leadership in K–12 education, most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Teaching and Learning for Chicago Public Schools, where she led professional learning communities, district-wide instructional strategies, and innovative initiatives, including artificial intelligence (AI) integration by creating the CPS AI framework. Under her leadership, CPS saw significant post-pandemic academic recovery, leading the nation in reading growth among the top 40 urban districts. Beck brings a wealth of school leadership experience, having served as Principal of Nicholas Senn High School, as well as an Assistant Principal at Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center and North Lawndale College Prep. Her background in educational leadership, budgeting, talent infrastructure, board engagement, fundraising, partnerships, and planning uniquely positions her to help strengthen Distinctive Schools’ impact and sustainability. She is a recognized thought leader in AI in education, equity-driven instruction, and postsecondary success.