After nearly three decades of tireless advocacy and visionary leadership, Annie Kidder, co-founder and Executive Director of People for Education (PFE), will retire effective October 31, 2025.
"I am filled with a mixture of profound gratitude for Annie's contributions and great excitement for Annie's next chapter," says Fiona Deller, Chair of the PFE Board of Directors. "Annie is a one-of-a-kind presence and voice and has advanced the cause of public education in extraordinary ways over the last 30 years."
Ms. Kidder co-founded People for Education in 1996 with a group of passionate advocates driven by a simple yet powerful belief: that a strong, equitable, and publicly funded education system is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Under her leadership, PFE has grown from a grassroots movement into a respected national voice unique and independent in Canada and a trusted source of research, data, and policy insight.
Ms. Kidder's impact on public education in Ontario is significant. She led PFE in shaping public conversations by producing research on issues ranging from student well-being and funding models to the importance of arts and physical education. Her ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling calls to action has brought credible evidence to policymakers, led to vital policy changes in Ontario, and created a groundswell of support for public education. She has been a tireless advocate and an inspiration to a generation of leaders in the social impact sector. Her dedication and expertise have been recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws from York University, a testament to her profound influence.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead this work. For nearly three decades, I've seen firsthand how essential strong public education is to Canada's future, and how important it is to have solid evidence to back up calls for change. I am deeply proud of what we've built together, and grateful to the countless people who have been part of this effort.
Annie Kidder, Executive Director, People for Education
As People for Education celebrates Annie Kidder's extraordinary legacy, the organization also looks to the future with optimism. Her decades of leadership have built a resilient organization, a strong foundation, and a bold vision for the future of public education in Canada.
Canada has never needed strong public education more than it does now. We need a new plan to transform public education to meet our country's most urgent challenges. I am confident that now is the time to pass the torch to a new team who will carry this work forward and ensure that public education remains at the heart of Canada's future.
Annie Kidder
In the coming days, PFE will announce plans for future leadership to carry Ms. Kidder's legacy forward and guide the organization into its next phase of growth.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and everyone who has been touched by her work, I extend our deepest gratitude to Annie for her tireless dedication, her courage, and her profound impact. Annie's legacy is not just the organization she built, but the generations of students, parents, and educators whose lives have been enriched by her work.
Fiona Deller
PFE looks forward to honouring Annie and celebrating her remarkable career on October 30th, at Telling Tales Out of School, People for Education's annual benefit, and invites all those impacted by her work to join the celebration or make a donation in her honour.
