After an earlier career as a mountaineering instructor, Jeff has worked in and around public secondary schools for the past 28 years as a teacher, school coach, consultant, and principal. He believes the design and resulting culture of our public education system undermines what we want for our future and harms kids by teaching them over time that their unique interests, talents, and curiosities aren’t what school cares about. If he had to sum up what his work is for or about, it’s trying to replace that system with something more hopeful, specifically learning communities that honor the inherent joy of learning and the uniqueness of each person, teachers included! In 2005 Jeff founded Highline Big Picture High School (now 6-12), a competency-based public school with no grades, no credits, and where each student develops a unique learning plan around their interests and then spends much of their time “leaving to learn” in community-based internships. As a regional director for Big Picture Learning, he helped start several new schools, supported regional innovation networks, and developed a leadership incubator for principals designing mold-breaking public schools. Jeff holds a BA in Biology from Princeton University, an MEd from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a principal credential from the University of Washington. When not working, Jeff loves urban and backcountry adventures with his partner Kate, serving as executive assistant to their dog Pluto, and playing ultimate frisbee with Disctopian Future.