Gene M. Kerns is a third-generation educator with teaching experience from elementary through the university level and K–12 administrative experience. He currently serves as vice president and chief academic officer of Renaissance Learning. With nearly 20 years of experience leading staff development and speaking at national and international conferences, his former clients include administrators’ associations across the country, the Ministry of Education of Singapore, and London’s Westminster Education Forum. His most recent work has been focused on assessment, new standards in both the United States and the United Kingdom, learning progressions, and personalized learning. Gene received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Longwood College in Virginia, and also holds a doctor of education from the University of Delaware with an emphasis in education leadership.