Joe Schmidt

Joe Schmidt serves as the Executive Director of K-12 Education at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation since September 2025, overseeing key initiatives such as the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute and related educational programming. As an author under contract with Corwin Press, Schmidt has contributed to literature focusing on civil discourse in educational settings. Previous roles include Senior Director of Teacher Programs and Director of Programs at the Bill of Rights Institute, as well as an adjunct instructor at the University of Maine. With extensive experience, Schmidt has held various positions in educational organizations, including Social Studies Specialist in the State of Maine’s Department of Education and K-12 Social Studies Leader in the Madison Metropolitan School District. Schmidt's educational background includes a Master's degree in Education from Viterbo University, a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, and an Associate's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Marinette.