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MIND Education Welcomes Brandon Smith as New President

In a significant leadership shift, MIND Education has appointed Brandon Smith as its new President as of September 22, 2026. With over 15 years of experience at MIND, Smith is poised to guide the organization through its next chapter, emphasizing research-driven innovation and expanding its impact in the educational landscape.

MIND Education is renowned for creating ST Math, an instructional program that utilizes engaging visuals to foster math learning, leveraging insights from neuroscience and cognitive science. Under Smith’s leadership, the organization aims to deepen its connections between research, product development, and classroom applications.

A Background in Research and Design

Brandon Smith’s journey at MIND has seen him occupy pivotal roles in research, design, and product leadership. This extensive experience has molded his leadership philosophy, which aligns closely with the principles of research and development (R&D). Smith advocates for an evidence-based approach, focusing on continuous feedback from educators and learners.

Smith emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership roles, stating, "R&D teaches you a certain kind of humility...the learner gets the final vote." He aims to create an environment where innovations are continuously refined based on real-world classroom observations and user feedback.

Fostering Educational Solutions

With a mission to enhance learning experiences, Smith is set to lead MIND at a crucial time when educators are seeking more effective and responsive learning solutions. Chuck Amos, Executive Chair of the Board at MIND Education, has voiced confidence in Smith's capacity to navigate MIND’s future. He notes that Smith not only understands MIND’s historical context but is keenly attuned to future opportunities in education.

Currently, MIND Education operates nationwide, impacting more than 1.6 million students, alongside 95,000 educators across 4,600 schools. This expansive reach reflects MIND's dedication to transforming mathematical learning through innovative methods that honor the brain’s natural learning processes.

Evolving Learning Experiences

As part of his vision, Brandon Smith will oversee updates to the ST Math program for the 2026-27 school year. These updates aim to enhance user experience through data-driven insights, including new alert systems for educators, improved reporting features, and additional visual learning elements such as the recommencement of the Acorn Factory.

MIND’s continual evolution in addressing classroom needs underscores its larger goals—a commitment to making powerful, research-based learning resources accessible to a wide audience of students, educators, and families.

Commitment to Mathematical Understanding

MIND Education's ethos is rooted in decades of research aimed at advancing how students understand and learn mathematics. Through its flagship ST Math program, MIND translates complex research findings into practical educational solutions, fostering deep mathematical understanding and problem-solving abilities in students.

The organization, founded in 1998, continues to extend its reach, empowering students with the confidence they need to succeed. Brandon Smith’s appointment signals a promising future for MIND Education as it refines its strategy for making meaningful impacts in classrooms across the country.

In conclusion, under Smith's leadership, MIND Education is excited to embark on the next phase of its mission, focusing on advancing math education through innovative, research-based approaches. The organization looks forward to fostering an ongoing dialogue with educators and students to enhance learning experiences tailored to their evolving needs.

For more information about MIND Education and its initiatives, you can visit MINDEducation.org.