Identify key problems; create your own solution; take action.

Meet Your Presenters:

Michelle Blanchet is co-author of The Startup Teacher Playbook (Times 10, 2020) and an educator and social entrepreneur striving to improve how we treat, train, and value our teachers. After ten years of experience working with young people, she founded the Educators’ Lab, which supports teacher-driven solutions to educational challenges. Michelle earned a master’s in international relations from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid. She has taught social studies in Switzerland and the U.S. and has presented at numerous events, including SXSWedu and TEDxLausanne. Michelle is a part of the Global Shaper Community of the World Economic Forum. She has worked with organizations like PBS Education, the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, Ashoka, and the Center for Curriculum Redesign. 

Darcy Bakkegard is co-author of The Startup Teacher Playbook (Times 10, 2020). A former English teacher turned professional development coach, she leads professional development workshops, webinars, and 1:1 training for teachers across the prairie region (ND, SD, MN). With 10 years of experience teaching English and Theatre in public and private, rural and suburban, and international schools, she has taught every type of learner. Building from a BA in Theatre and years in educational theatre, Darcy specializes in interactive strategies for the classroom and how to build meaningful relationships with students. Darcy is a Level 1 Certified Google Educator and EdPuzzle Certified Teacher. She is an experienced international presenter.