Compass Learning, the leader in online personalized learning solutions for the K-12 education market, announced today at 2013 SXSWedu Conference & Festival, the appointment of David Thomas as vice president of product development.

“The speed of technological advancement combined with the educational shifts that are occurring in the United States and abroad, demands a product vision and development organization that can collaborate with educators and technologists to deliver creative and innovative solutions that meet the challenges of today’s classroom and the learning environment of tomorrow,” said Eric Loeffel, CEO of Compass Learning. “David Thomas has proven success blending technical, organizational, and communication skills to develop teams and products that effectively and efficiently deliver on a vision and solve real-world problems. We’re excited to have him on our team and put those leadership skills to bear on making learning more personal.”

Thomas brings more than 25 years of software development and engineering experience to Compass Learning. Most recently he was Vice President of Platform Development for Fun Machine, a mobile entertainment software and gaming company. Prior to Fun Machine he held similar vice president of product development and engineering roles with All Web Leads, Inc., Trustwave, and Mirage Networks. His experience also spans the video communications, web content management, and marketing communications realm. Thomas began his career with IBM Corporation. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with honors, from Syracuse University and has multiple patents.

“Compass Learning’s focus on combining the best of technology, educational pedagogy, and creativity to deliver software that personalizes learning, is an inspiring and exciting opportunity,” said Thomas. “Compass Learning is poised to take advantage of an incredible moment in the history of educational technology. Never before have so many students stood to benefit from the combined power and reach of the internet, the ubiquitous mobile device, and innovative educational, creative, and technical talent that stand behind Compass Learning’s products. We intend to take full advantage of this moment in time, and our leadership position, to lead the way in delivering inspiring and engaging personalized learning experiences that prepare students for the future.”

About Compass Learning

Compass Learning® provides K–12 educational software that empowers teachers to unlock every student’s potential for academic success and personal growth by personalizing learning. Compass Learning takes a student-centered approach by providing comprehensive solutions that address the needs of every student and student-type to create personalized learning and differentiation programs that reach, engage, and inspire students to succeed. Teachers and administrators can more efficiently and effectively manage and measure progress, freeing time to focus on delivering academic results. Both of the company’s software solutions, CompassLearning Odyssey® and the Renzulli Learning® System deliver academic rigor that is based on more than 40 years of research into how students learn and are aligned to state and Common Core State Standards to support classroom and district accountability. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Compass Learning serves more than 7,800 schools across the United States.