Magner, who served as executive director of K-12 education for Microsoft Corp. before joining ED, took the place of Susan Patrick, who left the department seven months earlier to accept a position as executive director of the Virginia-based North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL).
Joe Kitchens, superintendent of the Western Heights Public Schools in Oklahoma City, called the move "a very positive development," adding that Magner is "extremely talented, innovative, and very deserving of this important appointment."
"Tim gets it–that kids get it," noted Elliot Soloway, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering. "Technology is the hook and the opportunity for today’s digital youth. Our community can definitely breathe easier now."
Magner’s other related work experience includes directing the Schools Interoperability Framework and working for the Public Broadcasting Service. He also was the director of technology for Framingham Public Schools in Massachusetts and taught graduate courses at Framingham State College and George Mason University.
Magner began his career as a high school social studies teacher and taught middle and high school in France and Switzerland. He has a B.A. from William & Mary and an M.ED from Harvard University.
Topic Synopsis: Trends in Educational Technology: A National Perspective
Over the past several years a number of technology trends have emerged that together have transformed our world, economically and socially. Our education system is not immune to these changes. From technologically savvy digital-natives, to the increasingly competitive global economy to the social transformation brought about by the internet, the students attending our schools and the expectations they need to meet have changed considerably. Mr. Magner will discuss these trends and explore their implications for our education system.