We partner with individuals, classrooms, schools, and organizations to foster new conversations and a new vision for schooling at the local and national levels.
Here we share the stories from students, educators, parents, leaders, and community members across the country. Each story is an expression of an individual's hopes, fears, joys, and aspirations. Each story is unique and powerful on its own. Together they are the collective dreams of a nation.
We hope you will enjoy browsing and sharing your thoughts. You can search for your state, or people you know by using the search bar. Intrigued, Inspired?! Sign up to be a Catalyst!
" It's not just about an individual sitting at their desk learning; it's about how they work as a collective group, support each other and learn from each other. They should be able to learn about their roles in supporting their community, which can often just be their classroom and then eventually the wider community. They should be asking: how are we affecting our planet? How are we affecting all members in our community?"
Read More"I would also want them to give back to their community, like having youth programs for underprivileged kids who can’t afford certain activities. I would want them to empower young kids, to build their self-esteem and teach them strategies for how to hang in there and not give up."
Read More"Honestly as long as she’s doing something that she enjoys, it's not about how much money she's making."
Read More“Schools shouldn’t try to compare children. Both my daughters were very different students. My sister and I were the same way. I had some of the same teachers as my sister, and I’ll never forget that one day I spelled the world nickel wrong (I’m still not sure if it’s –el or –le), and my teacher said “A sister of Pat’s spelling nickel wrong?” At this time, my sister Patricia was getting her PhD in Chemistry.”
Read More“I think that school helps you navigate life and tap into your purpose. School should allow students to explore different areas of interest without fear of failure or judgment.”
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"Success looks different for everyone. For me, it’s about self-sufficiency, both emotionally and financially, as well as having confidence in yourself. Success is more of an emotional state than an end point. I also understand that Maisie may feel differently about success than I do—she will have her own definition and if that’s what brings her joy, then I support that."
Read More“I think that every kid has the same potential, but it’s the environment that they are exposed to that impacts their life outcomes. You see successful people, and I don’t mean rich, but someone who is really enriching a community or society because they were fed into by the right people. That’s why it’s so scary to choose who is going to educate my child.”
Read MoreI think if you do what you're passionate about and what you love, the idea of economics isn't as big because you're fulfilled in different ways.
Read More"To me, happiness is family, and friends, and doing something that’s meaningful in your life. And it’s also partly making enough money that you don’t have to worry about things. You can do the things you want to do. You don’t have to worry about your next meal or how you’ll pay for your kids’ college. You can afford the necessary things and some fun things as well."
Read MoreI think that school should help each child figure out what their potential is and what their gifts are.
Read MoreEveryone needs to do their part and communicate to understand each individual child’s gifts and talents and what they are interested in.
Read MoreThere seems to be a fear of failure [in schools]. School should teach kids that being challenged is the process of learning, and that not knowing or failing is okay.
Read More“Simple and most direct answer that I have always given is that I want my children to be happy. I want them to be happy and productive adults and good citizens that contribute to society.”
Read More“Personally, as a parent you just want them to be peaceful with their life and happy with it. That brings me peace.”
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