IPsquared is led by Josh Thomases.

In 30 years in public service, Josh has worked extensively with front-line staff, educators and leaders to build reflective, equitable organizations. Josh began his career as a founding teacher and leader at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice in Brooklyn, a nationally known model for community-driven, culturally responsive, education. He worked at the NYC Department of Education for a decade, ultimately serving on Chancellor Dennis Walcott’s cabinet.   Josh oversaw the opening of 350 new small schools.  Nine randomized controlled trials by researchers at MDRC have documented transformative outcomes on high school graduation, college attendance, persistence and completion - particularly for historically underserved students. He later led the city’s transition to the Common Core and spearheaded the K-20 college and career readiness agenda. He was the Dean of Innovation, Policy & Research at the Bank Street College of Education where he oversaw their community programs, launched the Center for Culture, Race and Equity and a national policy institute called Prepared to Teach, focused on transforming the teacher ecosystem in the United States. Most recently, Josh was the Executive Vice President of the Great Oaks Foundation, a multi-state charter network and Americorps program designed around high dosage tutoring and national service.

Josh lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two adolescent sons who keep him deeply grounded. Beyond work, parenting, and social justice, Josh coaches baseball, loves the outdoors, and walks his very scruffy dog.

Contact Josh at Josh@IPsquared.org.