Betsy McKenna is the Founder of Exponential Returns, a company designed to help professionals in the academic and nonprofit communities advance individual and team performance by deepening conversations, tapping into creative minds and talents, and fostering strategic relationships. With over two decades of educational leadership experience, Betsy McKenna has developed a sharp eye for what, when, where, and why communities learn, as well as delved deeply into how those inquiries change depending on the sensitivity of each audience—the “who”. Betsy describes herself as a life-long learner whose work is also her passion as she is committed to building progressive academic communities that embody twenty first century teaching and learning. 

 

Betsy was a senior administrator and teacher at the early elementary level where she gained experience at reputable independent schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. She successfully founded a Beginners Program at the New Canaan Country School in 1995 and became the Head of the Early Childhood Division in 2002. From 2011-2014, Betsy served as the Head of the Lower School Division of The Town School in New York. 

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Betsy holds a Master's of Science in education from Bank Street College, specializing in Supervision and Administration. In 2015, Betsy became a certified coach through Columbia University’s Coaching Certification Program, and in 2018, she acquired IDEO Certificates in Power of Purpose,  Leading with Creativity. and Unlocking Creativity.

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Betsy is committed to helping provide access to high quality education for all. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Chicago Mobile Makers, and Chicago Youth Centers in Chicago, and on the advisory committee for Henry Street Settlement, READ Alliance and Portfolio School in New York City. She is also a HundrED Ambassador.

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