Elizabeth Garcia

In 2006, I founded a school based upon the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, and deep learning; stemming from my background in philosophy. Over the past decade, I have written a learning model and project based learning curriculum for Eduthink21, my independent research organization. The curriculum is standards and content aligned, including 60+ detailed project guides for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. In 2014, as a national America Achieves fellow, I formally established Eduthink21 and EduTech21 for a broader reach. The organizations are focused on supporting schools with 21st century school and classroom design, customized project based learning curriculum, deep learning strategies, and educational technology, to name a few. The website, www.eduthink21.com, will launch in 2016. It will include a download page for the project-based learning model, classroom tools, a blog, and a forum for teacher collaboration.

Currently, I am a graduate student at the Teachers College, Columbia University in the department of Communication, Media and Learning Technologies Design. Previously, I earned my Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts Degree in philosophy and political science from the University of Miami.

Prior to founding, www.discoverydayacademy.com, I taught elementary and middle school in both public and charter school settings.

I served on the Board of Directors for my local early learning coalition from 2008-2010. I also founded a non-profit organization, Active Citizens for Children, to benefit children in my hometown community.

I am a life-long learner, with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to contribute to the field of education. Above all, I believe in the importance of high-quality learning for all students.