With more than 30 years in public education, Mike has witnessed first-hand the many constraints that most students and educators experience. Things like:

Tight schedules

Rule-bound student handbooks

Standardized assessments

Graduation requirements

Age-set class levels

Curriculum standards

Extensive research shows:

  • Student motivation for school typically drops at the end of elementary school

  • Motivation for learning continues to wane through much of high school

  • Students’ lack of autonomy can affect their well-being and mental health

Structures Set by Others May Hinder Student Learning and Motivation

Student studying

Free to Learn

Learning InspirED believes there is another way—a way to support students to lead their own learning. A way where students are truly free to learn.

We believe that when students feel free to learn, rather than being pinned down by constraints set by others, they will:

  • Explore curiosities

  • Ask questions freely

  • Dive deep into topics of choice

  • Pursue experts/resources of interest

  • Develop passions

Meet Mike

As a 30-year public education professional and advocate, Mike develops and supports authentic student agency across school districts. He has studied, supported, and led student learning from various perspectives, including: teacher, school leader, district innovator, superintendent, university researcher, and most recently, a not-for-profit consultant to school systems across the country. His expertise spans from research and evaluation to strategic planning and personalized coaching and consulting.

 

Mike now leads Learning InspirED, a forward-thinking education consulting agency committed to learning and supporting the development of student agency. With a focus on moving away from constraints and moving toward possibilities, he helps school districts create the best conditions for students to lead their own learning. Mike currently works with districts across the United States from Colorado to Virginia and from Florida to Vermont in this game-changing work.

Need More Reasons to Give Students More Decision-Making Opportunities?