Stories of Impact

These stories feature educators working in different settings, from classrooms and museums to community makerspaces. 

Their paths are different, but each story reflects what can happen when educators step more fully into their role not just as facilitators of learning, but as leaders capable of shaping how learning happens.

A head-and-shoulders portrait of Melissa Unger.

Melissa Unger

A teacher looking to put theory into practice discovered a new way to make learning visible in her classroom.

A head-and-shoulders portrait of Gerjuan O'Neal wearing a red dress and glasses.

Gerjuan O'Neal

What began as a search for a master’s in making became the blueprint for launching a community makerspace.

wiley sarah color

Sarah Wiley

A museum educator seeking professional advancement anchored her practice in joy, research, and mentoring.

A head-and-shoulders portrait of Sara Milewski

Sara Milewski

A veteran teacher translated gut instinct into a framework that reshaped her district’s approach to learning.