Dean Folkers

Dean Folkers has a diverse work experience spanning over several organizations and roles. Dean started their career as an Agriculture Instructor at Lakeview High School in 1989 and worked there until 1996. Dean then joined the National FFA Organization as a Team Leader for Teacher and Partner Development Services, where they worked until 2001. Dean then moved on to the Nebraska Department of Education, where they served as the Assistant Director for Career Education from December 2001 to August 2010. Following that, they joined the National Career Technical Education Foundation as the Deputy Executive Director from August 2010 to February 2013. Dean then returned to the Nebraska Department of Education as the Senior Administrator for Data, Evaluation, and Research from February 2013 to October 2016, and later as the Chief Information Officer from October 2016 to September 2021. Currently, Dean works as the Director of Education Data and Technology at the Council of Chief State School Officers.

Dean Folkers attended Lincoln Northeast from 1982 to 1984, although there is no information available regarding any degree obtained during that time. Following that, they attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 1984 to 1988, where they earned a BS / MS degree in Ag. Education/Economics. Lastly, from 2003 to 2008, they pursued a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership at the University of Phoenix.