

Our first Transforming Education panel brought out the importance of student voice in defining the way forward, charting a path that mirrors the needs of our quickly-morphing society.
Our second Transforming Education identified key components that need to be included in re-imagining education to meet the needs of society today and in the future.
Our third Transforming Education identified the need for schools to create conditions and cultures so kids know they can do great hard things.
Panel four continues the conversation, discussing how to redesign the model of public education with the community at its core, informing the needs, interests and identities of everyone represented and served.
Here is the working statement framing our Transforming Education work:
What does education look like in a diverse, decentralized, global society that is inclusive, equitable and open to all people, where each individual adapts, evolves, and contributes by solving problems and creating new value?


Meet our panel:
Dr. Aundrea Smiley is a career educator with a PhD in Higher Education Administration and K-12 Programs from Liberty University on the history of Restorative Justice in Education (RJE) and the school to prison pipeline. She has served as a K-12 classroom teacher, reading coach, and division level administrator, and she now serves as full time Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Eastern Mennonite University, where she facilitates the Foundations of RJE course!
Starr Sackstein is the owner of Mastery Portfolio and the Massachusetts State Coordinator for Educators Rising. Additionally, she works with PDK International as the Career Confidential columnist for The Kappan Magazine. Starr has published extensively on authentic assessment practices, and her most recent published work has been around alternative career paths in education that still provide opportunities for educators to have impact.. Starr is a Worthy Champion in Education and a prolific writer and speaker!
Ryan Bell is the former Head of School at The Academy At Belle, providing leadership for a diverse and inclusive learning community that celebrated academic excellence, social-emotional development, and cultural competence for students and their families. He currently serves as Student Services Manager with the Roanoke Higher Education Center and he is the founder of Black Father Family to support Dads being involved in their children's lives!
