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!
"I think the idea of the “standard child” or the “baseline child” or test score ranges...that’s all very limiting. It doesn’t leave room for the unique child, which is probably what we would be better off having. I think everything is so standardized and when you do that, you take away what’s on the fringes. What’s on the fringe is often times the most vibrant and most powerful.”
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"Schools should push every child to be themselves, and give them the resources and support they need to pursue what they want to pursue. But also give them the space for them to figure that out for themselves. This is a difficult thing to do, but I think if schools are places of wonder and excitement, it’s okay if kids are on different levels."
Read More"I want them to find a passion, whether that is work, or a "life's endeavor." I want them to have something that drives them to fill their days with, and that they feel is contributing to the betterment of themselves or those around them. It all leads back to happiness."
Read More“I think back to the one-on-one parent-teacher conferences that I had when I said, ‘Your child is reading below grade level, here are some flashcards you can do with him,’ instead of saying, ‘You know what? Your child is really compassionate. He always wants to help others and problem solve, and reading will come.’”
“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.”
Read More“In terms of happiness, I don’t want to assign intelligence or humor or some other quality because it’s not set for each person as to what makes them happy but I mean happiness in terms of being confident and content with your life as it is”
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“Schools should connect lessons to the real-world, to form a connection to what happens after high school. Not what is going to help you pass this state-wide test, but on skill sets that you’re going to take outside to the world.”
Read MoreI think that school should help each child figure out what their potential is and what their gifts are.
Read More“I want to make sure her wealth doesn’t hinder her at all in the experiences she has and understanding other people around her.”
Read MoreEveryone needs to do their part and communicate to understand each individual child’s gifts and talents and what they are interested in.
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