About Us

Reclaiming the Foundations that Shape Education and Culture

NWEF equips families, educators, and leaders with principle-based resources to strengthen academics, character, and culture—advancing a national conversation inspired by Noah Webster’s legacy.

Our Vision & Mission

Reclaiming Education Through Principles and Purpose

Our Vision: To reclaim education and culture through foundational principles and sound policy.

Our Mission: We equip families, educators, and policymakers with resources rooted in America’s founding principles to shape education and culture.

Why NWEF?

Advancing Solutions for American Education

A strong education is essential to our children, families, businesses, and nation — yet despite decades of focus and significant funding, student outcomes continue to decline. Parents and teachers are frustrated. Confidence in our schools is eroding.

Real solutions require clarity: What does success look like? What approaches work? What changes are needed at scale?

Noah Webster Educational Foundation is leading that conversation — bringing together parents, educators, and taxpayers to share experiences, data, and diverse perspectives to strengthen education through proven principles and sound policy.

What Drives Us

Our Five Core Areas of Focus

Instruction

We nurture the foundational skills of reading, writing, and math, empowering every learner to grow.

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Parental Engagement

When families are involved, children thrive—making parental engagement a cornerstone of development.

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Government

Education strengthens communities, and everyone benefits when learning extends beyond public institutions.

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Ethics and Moral Values

Guided by ethics and strong values, we help build character and support a thriving, civil society.

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Appropriations

Careful stewardship of funding, facilities, and infrastructure lets the mission of educating children flourish.

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Celebrating a Visionary

Who Was Noah Webster?

Noah Webster, Jr. (1758–1843) is celebrated as the Father of American Scholarship and Education. He believed that a shared language, strong education, and informed citizens were essential to building a thriving nation.

His work continues to influence education and American culture today. Highlights of his legacy include:

  • American Language Innovator: Published the first truly American dictionary in 1806 and expanded it in 1828 to reflect the nation’s diverse communities.
  • Education Reformer: Authored A Grammatical Institute of the English Language (the “Blue-Back Speller”), used for over a century to teach generations of children to read, write, and master arithmetic.
  • Champion of Literacy: Helped establish the “three Rs” as the foundation of education, creating tools for lifelong learning and opportunity.
  • Civic Leader: Advocated for antislavery, public health, and active citizenship while shaping education policy in the early United States.

Webster’s vision of accessible, high-quality education continues to inspire the way Americans learn and grow today.

Guiding Our Vision

Board of Directors

Melvin Adams Sr.

Co-Founder & President

Sandy Adams

Co-Founder

Lowell Martin

Board Chairman

Greg English

Board Member

Josiah Gaiter

Board Treasurer

Debe Terhar

Board Secretary

Dr. Erika LeBaron

Board Member