Learning Accelerant is led by Joseph South
Joseph South, Ph.D.
Joseph South is a national educational technology leader, consultant, and international speaker focused on evidence-based learning transformation. He regularly works with education leaders, governments, corporations, non-profits, museums, and learning innovators of every variety to help them realize their vision.
Joseph formerly served as the director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education. As a presidential appointee in the Obama Administration, he was an adviser to the Secretary of Education. He developed national educational technology policy, formed public-private partnerships to assist state and local education leaders in transitioning to digital learning, expanded the use of openly licensed educational resources (OER), and worked directly with edtech entrepreneurs, funders, and innovators.
Joseph worked with the White House on a cross-governmental team to bring high-speed broadband, interactive devices, professional development for educators and leaders, and high-quality affordable digital content to U.S. classrooms. He is a strong proponent of the active use of technology by learners.
Joseph was also a design resident at IDEO where he helped shape The Purpose Project—designed to help young people understand their strengths while developing expertise in something they care deeply about to prototype their purpose.
Joseph currently serves as the Chief Innovation Officer for the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and ASCD.
He has led learning product development teams at startups, museums, nonprofits, corporations and higher education institutions. He has also directed learning programs and consulted on projects in China, Korea, Mexico, South America and the Middle East.
He holds a doctorate in instructional psychology and technology from Brigham Young University.
Every decision we make is led by our purpose.
We apply the latest insights from the learning sciences to help organizations redesign learning experiences and spaces for the cognitive, emotional, and aesthetic needs of learners.
Our Consultants
Jennifer Brevoort
Jen Brevoort specializes in designing and facilitating educator professional development including communities of practice that transform teaching and learning. As a core facilitator of the Purpose-Driven Expertise (PDE) Community of Practice, Jen plays a critical role in uniting educators, curating resources, and designing professional learning experiences that empowered both teachers and students to engage in meaningful, purpose-driven work.
At the heart of Jen’s work is a deep belief that the answers to education’s greatest challenges already exist within the expertise of teachers.
In addition to her work in education, Jen is the Founder and President of PopUpPlay, a Philadelphia-based initiative that leverages the power of play to convene diverse communities, and amplify joy through large-scale interactive experiences for families. Jen’s work is rooted in the power of human connection and purpose as catalysts for transformation.
Purpose Driven Expertise Coach
Joan Lee
Joan Lee has assisted Dr. Joseph South in researching Purpose Driven Expertise, designing Purpose Driven Expertise professional learning, and managing the Purpose-Driven Expertise (PDE) Community of Practice. For the past seven years, Joan has led Purpose Project, a digital curriculum that enables high school students to explore their purpose.
For the past decade, Joan has advised districts and charter networks providing support with change management, customized professional development, and edtech implementation. Joan is a co-Founder of Monument Academy Public Charter School, a residential boarding school for youth in foster care in Washington, D.C.
Her work in innovative school models is inspired by her time as a Fulbright grantee in Finland, where she researched the success of the public education system.
Purpose Designer
Learning x Space Designer
Michael Posthumus
Michael Posthumus has worked his entire career in education innovation and 21st century learning environments. His expertise in formal and informal learning settings has helped him succeed in roles connecting community organizations and K-12 schools through experiential project and place-based education pedagogy. He presently leads learning design at Fielding International.
One of Mike’s strengths as a leader is synthesizing large and often complex challenges into strategies and tactics that can be executed with success. Mike believes that learners and organizations who fully contextualize their environments are those who are best equipped to change those environments to achieve their goals and missions. Mike uses human-centered design thinking strategies to inform his process and as a result helps create youth-centered learning environments designed to transform the way students experience learning.
Previously, Mike co-lead a team to establish the Grand Rapids Public Museum School, a $10 million XQ Super School awardee.
What People Are Saying
Joseph inspires those around him to be better versions of themselves. He sets a clear vision and supports teams in developing strategies to meet these goals. I continue to rely on his insightful ability to see quickly into the heart of a matter on a regular basis.
— KATRINA S.
Joseph's projects get noticed. They are always innovative. They are grounded in best practices yet they consistently forge the unchartered territory of what's next.
— JIM B.
Many, many thanks for your inspirational and insightful remarks at our annual meeting. You opened our eyes to a new way of considering this moment. The positive and enthusiastic comments have been coming in fast and furiously. This was a great evening that sent us all away with a renewed sense of mission.
— JENNIFER C.
Thank you for everything you do to impact education on the global level. It is a pleasure working with you.
— MAHMUD S.
Awards
Making IT Happen Award
Top 30 Technologists, Transformers, and Trailblazers
SIIA CODiE Award Finalist
Serious Play Bronze Medal for Online Language Roleplay Game
Patent Awarded: Systems and methods for providing a dynamic continual improvement educational environment
By connecting purpose and expertise, schools become meaningful, connected, engaging, and relevant.
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We are happy to learn more about what you are working to accomplish to see how we may be helpful to you. Let’s connect and see what is possible together!