Distinguished Leader
in Education 2006: Laurie Tisch
Compiled by Liza Young
Laurie M. Tisch has an unparalleled record of devotion to the arts and education. As the Founding Chairperson of the Center for Arts Education (CAE) since its inception in 1996, Tisch has overseen the donation of over $30 million to support collaborative relationships between public schools and cultural and community organizations. At Tisch’s helm, CAE has become a leader in arts education, developing and maintaining comprehensive arts education programs for public school students, raising public awareness for the arts education and supporting school-to-work programs in the arts industry.
tshe had the lofty goal of bringing an end to the ongoing war. Graduating with honors with a degree in education from the University of Michigan, Tisch has taught as a substitute teacher as well as a full-time Spanish teacher.
When she was a new mother, Tisch re-entered the workforce, joining the Manhattan Laboratory Museum, which blossomed, through Tisch’s tutelage as Chairperson, into what is today the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM), bringing cultural educational resources to children, and reaching out to communities in need.
Tisch’s dedication to the arts and education extends through serving as president of The Laurie M. Tisch Foundation, of which Tisch serves as president, supports the arts (especially American art), Educational Reform, Jewish Life, and increasing the quality of life in the city.
Her latest endeavor is chairing the Board for the Teachers College Campaign for Educational Equity, created to achieve the mission of equal educational opportunities for all students, using the intellectual resources of Teachers College to have a resounding impact on educational policy and practice. Tisch’s efforts to support the welfare of youth have been recognized through an award from the National Child Labor Committee.
Both of Tisch’s daughters are pursuing lofty goals in education; the eldest Emily is a student at Cardozo Law school and Carolyn is an undergraduate at Yale University.#
