Tom Hyatt
CCSS 2026 ELECTION
At-Large Candidate
Tom Hyatt
Bio
Tom Hyatt is an educator and coordinator with more than 20 years of experience in public education, focused on student engagement, leadership development, civic involvement, and community partnership. He currently serves as Grant Coordinator and Student Leadership Coordinator for John Muir Charter Schools, where he coordinates student leadership, student voice, and civic engagement initiatives across multiple school sites. He leads programs connected to the California State Seal of Civic Engagement and supports students and staff in developing community-based projects, service-learning opportunities, and leadership experiences. Previously, Tom spent nearly 15 years at Aveson Charter Schools as a Global Studies Coordinator, Electives Coordinator, teacher, and advisor. He developed K–12 global competence curriculum, coordinated international and domestic student travel, and helped lead professional development and curriculum design. As a classroom teacher, he taught 6th–12th grade English Language Arts, U.S. History, World History, Government and electives. Tom is passionate about project and problem based learning and student voice. He holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Secondary Social Science Teaching Credential, as well as a B.A. in Theatre Arts/Literature from UC San Diego. His creative background in theatre, film, and storytelling further informs his approach to education and student engagement.
Position Statement
I believe strong public education starts with trusting and supporting the people closest to students: educators. After more than 20 years in classrooms and school leadership, I have seen that teachers are at their best when they have the support, professional respect, and creative freedom to design meaningful learning experiences. I believe CCSS should be a strong voice for educators while also advocating for students. Schools should create opportunities for students to have voice, choice, and ownership of their learning. Project-based, experiential, and civic learning can make education more relevant by connecting what happens in the classroom to the real world and to students’ communities. I also believe creativity belongs at the center of education. Writing, theatre, film, storytelling, and the arts teach students to communicate, collaborate, take risks, think critically, and see the world from different perspectives. As a Board member, I would bring the perspective of a longtime classroom teacher, curriculum developer, student leadership coordinator, and advocate for civic engagement. I would work to strengthen the profession, elevate educator and student voice, and support innovative approaches that prepare young people not only to succeed in school, but to participate meaningfully in their communities and in our democracy.
What strengths will I bring to the CCSS Board of Directors?
In my current role with John Muir Charter Schools, I coordinate Student Leadership and the State Seal of Civic Engagement across a statewide network serving opportunity youth. I develop programs and curriculum, collaborate with teachers and administrators, work with community partners, manage grant-related responsibilities, facilitate professional learning, and create opportunities for students to develop their voices and leadership skills. This work has strengthened my skills in collaboration, communication, program development, advocacy, and turning ideas into practical programs that can work across a large organization. I would bring to the CCSS Board a strong commitment to student voice, civic engagement, innovative teaching, and the belief that educators should have both the support and the freedom to create meaningful learning experiences. I am particularly passionate about connecting students to authentic, hands-on experiences through project-based learning and giving them opportunities to create, lead, and contribute to their communities. Before my current role, I spent more than 20 years in the classroom teaching history at every grade level from 6th through 12th grade. I have written curriculum across those grade levels and have extensive experience developing project-based, hands-on learning experiences. Being in the classroom for that long has given me a deep understanding of the realities teachers face, as well as an appreciation for the creativity, commitment, and adaptability required of educators every day. I would also bring a creative and interdisciplinary perspective to the Board. I am a writer, filmmaker, and videographer, with a lifelong passion for theatre and film. I believe creativity is not separate from education—it is a powerful way of thinking, communicating, problem-solving, and understanding the world. I would bring that perspective to conversations about curriculum, student engagement, teacher support, and the future of education. Most importantly, I would bring the perspective of someone who has spent his career working directly with students and educators. I understand both the classroom and the larger organizational challenges involved in creating meaningful educational opportunities. I enjoy bringing people together around a common goal, listening to different perspectives, and turning good ideas into action. One area where I hope to grow is in nonprofit board governance and the specific responsibilities and best practices of serving on a board of directors. I would also appreciate learning from fellow board members with deeper experience in areas such as organizational finance, fundraising, and long-term strategic planning. I see those as opportunities to expand my skills while contributing the experience, creativity, and perspective I already bring to the work.