Biography
Mark Claypool is a social entrepreneur who believes that all children can advance academically, behaviorally and socially if they are given the right tools in the right environment. A social worker and education administrator, Claypool grew frustrated by decreasing resources for children with learning differences, so he founded Educational Services of America (ESA) in 1999. Today, ESA is the nation’s leading provider of K-12 alternative and special education programs and services, and the company is listed among the Inc. 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America.
Industry Expertise (2)
Corporate Leadership
Education/Learning
Areas of Expertise (5)
Social Entrepreneurism
Corporate Leadership
Dropout Prevention
Alternative Education
Special Education
Accomplishments (4)
Nashville Chamber of Commerce Future 50 2008 (professional)
The Future 50 program identifies and celebrates the 50 fastest-growing, privately held companies in the Nashville area. The winners have contributed to economic growth in areas such as health care, technology, construction, manufacturing, finance, retail and services.
Nashville Business Journal 25 Fastest Growing Companies 2009, 2010 (professional)
A yearly list of Nashville’s 25 fastest-growing private companies.
Business TN Hot 100 2007, 2008, 2009 (professional)
BusinessTN's Hot100 is an annual look at Tennessee companies on a roll. Fast-growing, emerging or simply full of promise, they represent the best Tennessee has to offer in terms of entreprenuerial vision and growth.
Inc. 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 (professional)
The Inc. 5000 is an annual list of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.
Education (2)
Middle Tennessee State University: Bachelor of Arts, Duel major in Psychology and Sociology 1986
Dean's List
Middle Tennessee State University: Master of Arts, Long-term care management curriculum 1988
Phi Kappa Phi - Honors Society; Masters Thesis - "A Study of the Efficacy of Day Treament Program for At-Risk Youth"
Affiliations (9)
- Education Industry Association, Board Member
- Special Olympics, Member and Sponsor
- Council for Exceptional Children, Member
- Rotary Club of Nashville, Member
- Book'em, Independent nonprofit children's literacy organization, Board Member
- Penn Graduate School of Education, Advisor
- Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, Advisory Board
- Metro Nashville Public Schools Academies Task Force, CEO Champion
- Education Research and Development Institute, Member
Event Appearances (10)
Conversations with the Dean, Entrepreneur Extraordinaire
Lipscomb University Nashville, TN
2012-02-01
ESA the Leading Provider of K-12 Special and Alternative Educational Services
Signal Hill Boston, MA
2011-11-17
Educational Services of America – A Company Overview
Arizona State University Education Innovation Summit Scottsdale, AZ
2011-04-05
Privatization of At-Risk Education
Bank of Montreal Bank of Montreal
2011-09-01
Destination Diploma: Why We Have to Remove Roadblocks to High School Graduation
Rotary Club of Nashville, Tenn. Nashville, TN
2008-09-01
Removing Roadblocks to Graduation: Strategies for Improving the Educational Prospects of Our Children and Improving the Economic Vitality of Our Communities
Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, Ala. Birmingham, AL
2009-03-01
The Dropout Crisis
Missouri State Legislature Jefferson City, MO
Entrepreneurship and K-12 Education
Education Industry Association
Entrepreneurship and K-12 Education
Education Industry Association 12th Annual Education Industry Days Washington, DC
2012-02-24
Solutions for Alternative and Special Education
Education Research and Development Institute Houston, TX
2012-02-18
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
- Corporate Training
Social