Educator advocates redesigning schools around decision-making

School should be a place where students practice making meaningful decisions about their learning and lives, according to an educator who found her passion as a K-8 teacher. She reflects on her own educational journey, stating that she never faced significant decisions until college when choosing a major became necessary. Her experience led her to believe that schools need to focus on teaching decision-making skills alongside academic subjects.

In 2019, the educator joined Red Bridge, a private K-8 school, which opened in September 2020. As a founding leader at Red Bridge, she helped design systems that encourage student participation in their education. The curriculum encourages students to explore questions like “What do I want to learn?”; “When and how will I learn it?”; and “Is my learning the right level of challenge?”

The educator shared an example from her time teaching fifth grade in Nevada where she had limited flexibility with the curriculum. In contrast, Red Bridge allows for project-based learning units based on student interests called "deep dives." For instance, one deep dive explored building small businesses after noticing students' entrepreneurial activities during recess.

Red Bridge also implements self-directed learning blocks where students create their own plans and manage time independently. This approach aims to foster ownership over their education.

Students at Red Bridge assess whether they are ready for more challenging tasks by completing specific tasks and gathering evidence of readiness. This process has shown positive results with previously unmotivated students rising to challenges.

The educator believes this educational design builds confidence in students’ lives by providing opportunities for them to make significant decisions about their education.

She hopes that future generations will not have to stumble into their passions but instead find them through intentional educational experiences.