Michael Preston, PhD
Executive Director
Michael Preston is the Executive Director of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, an independent research and innovation lab within Sesame Workshop dedicated to shaping a positive digital future for children. Named after Sesame Street’s visionary co-founder, the Center conducts research on emerging technologies, collaborates with industry leaders, academics, and educators to translate insights into action, and engages policymakers and investors in meaningful conversations about children’s learning and well-being. By actively involving young people in co-designing the technologies they use, the Center ensures innovations that empower children to learn, grow, and thrive.
With 25 years of experience driving educational innovation across K-12, higher education, and informal learning settings, Michael specializes in child-centered design, transformative learning models, and systemic change. He co-founded CSforALL, the national hub for the Computer Science for All movement, and has led digital learning initiatives at the NYC Department of Education, Columbia University, and New Visions for Public Schools.
Michael holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. from Harvard College.
