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Maggie BarthEducational ArchitectMaggie is The Innovation School's founder and director. With a background in business and marketing but a heart for research, inquiry, and education reform, Maggie began learning about how other states and countries challenge the traditional model of school. In 2015 she asked the question... "Why can't school look different, not just for my child, but for all children?" In 2016, she asked "How can I be the one to make these changes and create an environment based on personal growth and engagement?" And in the spring of 2017, she launched The Innovation School. Based on her research, study trips, and collaboration with other like-minded educators, she continues to learn about how to change modern education. Maggie is dedicated to designing an environment based on the whole child, where children can learn academics within context and inquiry, while also learning who they are through engagement, play, and community.
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Andrea VizziEducational ChangemakerAndrea is the Early Childhood educator for the Yellow Band (Primary Level) program at The Innovation School. This program serves students ages 4-6 years old. Andrea has been working in the Early Childhood Education field for 18 years. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in 2012 and earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from California University of PA in California, PA in 2014. She is passionate about the importance of child-led learning and enjoys working within a Reggio Emilia inspired classroom that gives students an opportunity to lead their learning!
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Alicia JeromchekEducational ChangemakerAlicia is a Speech and Language Pathologist who joined our team in Fall 2022 as one of our Teal Band (Intermediate Level) educators! She thrives using her experience as an SLP in hands-on ways with the students at TIS. Alicia earned her Bachelor's Degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead and her Master's Degree in Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Alicia has been working in the field of education as well as outpatient pediatric settings for the past 9 years. She believes that play is the work of children and through play students build deeper connections. Alicia is passionate about giving students a voice in their learning journey and she is excited to grow alongside the students at TIS!
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Kelsy AchtenbergEducational ChangemakerKelsy is one of our Purple Band (Secondary Level) educators and she teaches Wellness Class (Physical Education) for our 1st-8th Grade students. Kelsy was born and raised in Bismarck. She graduated from Dickinson State University with a degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Spanish and Social Science. Kelsy has earned her Master's of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from the University of Mary. Before joining our team, she taught at a local private school for 5 years and has enjoyed creating STEM projects and helping students see connections with learning across different subjects. Kelsy has a passion for building relationships with her students and helping each achieve individual growth. She is inspired by the Albert Einstein quote, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
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Nancy WalkerEducational ChangemakerNancy is one of our Teal Band (Intermediate Level) educators. Nancy is a graduate of Mayville State University earning her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught for 31 years at Killdeer Elementary School and upon moving found herself in other roles, all of which had elements of teaching. She has recently moved to Bismarck and is excited to share her passion of lifelong learning. Nancy strongly believes that it is vital to create a positive learning environment, where growth and cooperation are emphasized, where failure isn't fatal, and where success and achievements are celebrated. She is inspired by the quote, "Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire."
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Lauren WrayAdministrative SpecialistLauren works alongside the teachers and administrative team at The Innovation School to create and implement systems for managing student files/records, setting up tours and assisting with fundraising and grant writing. Lauren holds a Bachelors Degree in Special and Elementary Education. She also holds a Master's Degree in Education (Technology Integration). She has been working in the field of education for 22 years. Lauren has worked in a variety of different educational settings, working alongside children in grades K-8. Lauren's experience and dedication to applying teaching strategies that support each child's individual strengths, interests and learning styles are a perfect fit for our school community!
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Photo credit: Lyra Lee Photography