Liam (William) Stanton

Background

Currently based in Harlem, New York.
In Austin for a week of training (as of late May 2025).
Extensive background in education, having worked in Beijing (Keystone Academy), Shanghai (YKPao), and Medellin.
Parents are in China (Xinjiang). Father attended Peking University.
Varied roles in education: teacher, education technology, administrator ("rambling man," "nomad").
Master's degree from Harvard in Learning Design and Technology.
Girlfriend teaches at Harlem Children's Zone.

Joined Alpha Schools and is slated to help lead/build the New York campus opening in Fall 2025.
Connected with Alpha Schools after seeing Mackenzie Price speak at an AIRshow (AI education event).
Was seeking a model that actively put AI in education to use, preferring practical application over academic research ("didn't want to write papers that no one read").
Had discussions with Alex Kaiser (Miami), Ben Gordon (New York lead), and Steph (who connected him to Santa Barbara discussions) before likely focusing on New York.
Currently undergoing training, some of which seems to be at a Gauntlet AI-affiliated office on Guadalupe in Austin.
Expressed a desire to be in New York, aligning with his girlfriend's location and his existing connections (Harvard/Boston).

His Role & Alpha's Vision: Discussed his role in making the New York campus a "shining example."
Gary's Background: Listened to Gary's journey from Google to online activism, youth empowerment (nonprofit with The Rock, Cory Booker, Andrew Yang), Ethereum Foundation work, and eventually to Alpha Schools via Gauntlet AI, including Gary's insights on internal Alpha politics and the need for systemic improvements.
El Salvador & International Expansion: Briefly touched on Gary's work with the Minister of Education in El Salvador and his advice to the European Alpha colleague to focus on New York first before expanding too quickly internationally.
Internal Alpha Dynamics: Gary shared some candid thoughts about Alpha's internal structure, the existing engineering/CFO team, the "firewall" for new campus leads, and the challenges of scaling with quality and integrity.
Philosophy of Education: Gary emphasized the need to free up kids' time to find their unique contributions and the importance of a high-quality, replicable model if Alpha is to become the "default."

Key leader for Alpha Schools' New York expansion.
Brings a wealth of international education experience and a Harvard degree in learning design/tech.
His preference for New York and existing connections there are beneficial for the campus launch.

2025-05-29: Met Gary Sheng at Capital Factory. Had an in-depth conversation about his background, his role with Alpha Schools in New York, Gary's own journey and his current assessment of Alpha's internal workings, the challenges of scaling a revolutionary education model, and the importance of building a high-integrity system. Gary also introduced Liam to Rachel Cook (Cruz's mother).