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Summary

Dynamic and equity-driven educational leader with over 15 years of experience designing and implementing innovative learning systems across U.S. school districts and international education networks. Recognized for strategic leadership in systemic SEL implementation, culturally responsive teaching, and research-practice partnerships that drive sustainable change. Adept at coaching district and campus leaders, facilitating cross-district learning networks, and managing consultant teams in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. International project portfolio spans East & West Africa, China, Europe, and Latin America, with a focus on adapting SEL and leadership development to diverse cultural and policy contexts. A published SEL author and keynote speaker, committed to codifying field learning and building practical tools that advance the CASEL mission globally.

Work Experience

Lead National Faculty, South & International Zones

Buck institute for education (dba PBLworks)
2019Present
  • Spearheaded state-level and international implementation of Project-Based Learning with embedded SEL practices, including collaboration with ministries of education, higher education institutions, superintendents, and regional coaches.

  • Facilitate cross-district role-alike gatherings and strategic professional development events for district leaders, aligning systemic SEL implementation with school transformation.

  • Support planning, facilitation, and evaluation of internal professional learning for faculty and consultants, contributing to CASEL-aligned strategic planning.

  • Co-authored Pulse of PBL, a CASEL-aligned SEL publication to support educator and student resilience in post-pandemic classrooms.

Culturally Responsive Teaching Specialist

Adaptive X
2019Present

  • Provide coaching and technical assistance to district-level leaders to implement SEL and CRT through an equity lens.

  • Co-design professional learning materials for education agencies, focusing on SEL and systemic school improvement.

  • Train consultants on SEL and equity integration and coordinate documentation of field learning into codified tools and protocols.

Instructional Innovation Strategist

Matinga.com
20172020

  • Founded a tuition-assisted PBL school infused with SEL, trauma-informed practices, and community engagement.

  • Developed a multilingual children’s book series aligned to CASEL competencies and local cultural values.

  • Specialized in integrating emerging instructional methodologies, adapting research-based strategies to diverse culture contexts using cutting edge teaching/learning approaches (including PBL and Transformative SEL)
  • Offered international consultancy services in tech integration, school leadership, professional development design and delivery for teachers in multiple pedagogical approaches aligned with SEL practices.
  • Co-authored Pulse of PBL: Cultivating Equity Through Social Emotional Learning to address the coping skill challenges of today's educators and students for a more fulfilling learning environment.
  • Created culturally responsive and SEL aligned children's book series for a Maasai school I founded in Tanzania

Co-founder and Program Director

International center for education
20162020
  • Played a pivotal role in offering top-tier professional development experiences for educators globally by focusing on fostering collaboration and connections within international community.
  • Enhanced teacher expertise in workshop facilitation to share their knowledge to educators in various states by conducting day-long workshops for educators from a wide range of backgrounds
  • The work emphasized the importance of cross-cultural collaboration, international outreach, and the sharing of best practices in educational innovation.
  • Founded My Learning House (MLH), a 501c3 internationl organization working to use education as a platform for economic development and positive social change. Through MLH, I founded a PBL school in Tanzania and a tuition assistance program in Equatorial Guinea 
  • International project experience in East Asia, Africa, and Europe

Session Director

Michigan State University LATTICE program
20132016
  • Orchestrated high-quality cultural professional development events and facilitated global education conversations.
  • Coordinated and implementing sessions bringing together educators from around the world fostering ideas and exchange of best practices in cross-cultural education.
  • Ensured each session strategically informative and relevant to the collaboration needs of international educators.

Award winning educator

Grand Ledge HS
  • Multiple-awards showcased my innovating teaching methods, integrating emerging instructional technologies to enhance student learning
  • Spearheaded yearly educational trips abroad for students, teachers, and their families which provided firsthand learning experiences, immersing participant in diverse cultural environments, fomenting new relationships and cross-cultural exchanges.
  • Combined my passion for for global education for economic development with a commitment to providing transformative and impactful learning opportunities for students and broader global community.

Education

Ph.D.

Walden Unversity

Education & Leadership: Learning, Instruction, and Innovation

National Society for Leadership and Success

Masters

Marygrove college

Masters in the Art of Teaching

BAchelor of Arts

Messiah university

History/Political Science

TEacher Certification

Spring arbor University

Social Science and World Languages (Active Certificate)

Minor: World Languages

Skills

Program management

Ability to oversee multiple programs at a statewide scale, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and delivering outcomes that meet stakeholder expectations using people systems like Workday or Paycom

diversity, equity, and inclusion expertise

Certified skills in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, ensuring a culturally responsive and inclusive organizational environment (DEI Certified)

Social emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist

Author and specialist in Social Emotional Learning, with in-depth knowledge and experience in integrating SEL into education curricula and organizational strategies

Change management

Proficient ability to manage and navegate organizational change insuring adaptability and resilience

Government Relations

Ability to productively engage with government agencies and officials within State Department and Ministries of Education stakeholders.

Keynote and Public Communication

Exceptional public speaking and communication skills with experience as keynote speaker, adept at engaging and inspiring large audiences with insights in education and innovation.

Language proficiency

Fluency in Spanish and English, enhancing communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enabling effective operations in multilingual environments.

International experience

Broad international bandwidth, with experience in understanding and navigating different cultural contexts in global education sector, regulatory/exchange policy and beyond.

Strategic Leadership and Coalition building

Ability to develop and implement long-term strategic goals, manage advocacy networks, work with diverse stakeholders,  drive organizational change and lead teams toward achieving complex goals

Event and Workshop facilitation

Ability to design and conduct interactive and impactful professional development workshops, engaging diverse audiences in professional learning experiences.

Curriculum development

Ability to  create engaging and effective educational curricula that cater to diverse learning needs and educational standards.

data-driven decision making

Ability to analyze data to inform strategic decisions, assess program effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement

Innovative thinking

Ability to incorporate emerging technologies and trends to develop cutting-edge learning solutions and programs

stakeholder Management

Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, partners, and educational communities

Awards

  • Microsoft Innovative Educator
  • Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning Educator of the Year
  • Michigan Teacher of the Year
  • National Teacher Hall of Fame Inductee (United States)

References

Cris Waldfogel

Senior Director of Professional learning and leadership

PBLWorks

cris@pblworks.org

(719) 321 2904

James Campbell

Director of District and school Leadership (South & International zones)

PBLWorks

JCampbell@pblworks.org

(770) 883 9238