Michael Ward, Ed.D., is an educational leader with 33 years of public education service. In 2004, he concluded his second four-year term as State Superintendent of the Public Schools of North Carolina. Under Ward's leadership, the state of North Carolina was recognized for strong academic growth by national publications such as Education Week, and organizations such as the National Educational Goals Panel and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Ward now consults extensively with education leaders around the country on matters of assessment, school improvement, leadership, professional growth, strategic planning, and educator performance. He is an associate member of the graduate faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Ward is past President of the Council of Chief State School Officers, whose members include state superintendents and education commissioners from across the country. He is also a past member of the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the administration of the National Assessment of Education Progress, the nation's report card.

Consulted on Educator Effectiveness, Common Core State Standards