We believe that effective educators create improved outcomes for all students.
While many organizations focus solely on student outcomes, the Rooted Learning Project focuses on adult capacity.
Children benefit when educators are more effective and confident.
Collective efficacy leads to improved outcomes for both children and educators.
Our Story
One of us is a longtime community member and school volunteer who witnessed too many students struggling to learn and falling behind in school. In talking with educators, it became clear that teachers and leaders were overwhelmed and under-supported.
One of us is a career educator and instructional researcher who has a strong track record of improving outcomes for all learners. She is passionate about creating better learning environments for learners and educators alike.
After months of discussing our shared concerns regarding the challenges facing students and schools, we decided that rather than just talk about it, we would do something about it.
We created the Rooted Learning Project, based in Kitsap County, WA, focused on supporting extraordinary educators and leaders who, in turn, change the lives of children.
Our services for educators, leaders, and schools are provided free of charge.
Core beliefs:
Learning is relational.
Environment shapes behavior.
Teachers deserve coaching, not judgment.
Leadership efficacy creates culture.
Children are naturally curious.
Growth happens through inquiry and reflection.
Openness to effective educational innovation.
Schools improve one classroom at a time.
Our approach:
We focus on the adults.
We support adult up-skilling, learning and efficacy.
The adults then focus on the students.
Personalized, individualized coaching support for leaders and educators.
Consultation on environments and classroom design expertise provided.
Side by side lesson design sessions for experiential learning and PBL lessons.
Our philosophy:
Learning is Organic.
Children don't grow because we push harder.
They grow when we intentionally cultivate the conditions that allow growth.
Just as gardeners cannot force flowers to bloom… educators cannot force learning.
Educators should create the conditions where learning naturally flourishes.
We create the conditions to support educators as they cultivate learning for students.
What makes us different:
Most educational professional learning looks like this: Attend a workshop, get inspired, return to the reality of the classroom/school, and… nothing changes.
We propose a different approach, based on observation, side-by-side coaching, co-designing, implementing, reflection, and repetition of a cycle until it is sustainable.
Our approach is intentionally hands-on, collaborative, and ongoing.
The work happens with educators, not to them.
Based here. Best here.
We are focusing on providing our no-fee services for schools here in our local area - Kitsap County, WA.
We believe in “start small, grow healthy.” We will carefully vet interested schools to ensure we have a good fit, shared vision, and alignment on outcomes.
We do, however, welcome inquiries from other schools in other areas.