Chris Unger

Chris Unger has been working in education for 37 years now. His commitment has always been authentic, meaningful learning for all students. Which then led him to ask, are there different school designs that could foster more meaningful, authentic learning for students? He ended up at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and subsequently the world-renowned Harvard Project Zero where he was able to work with a number of outstanding researchers and educators on cutting edge projects and grow as a thinker and doer under the mentorship of David Perkins.

Through him work in education over many years – first at Harvard, then the Seattle Public Schools, at Brown University, and now Northeastern University – he has met many amazing educators and formed so many important relationships and friendships not only across the US, but the world. The last four years he has been particularly drawn to those educators who have been able to create something new and innovative that can showcase the possibilities in education, many of which he share on his own website (youcanchangeeductation.org) and a number of events he has hosted over the last several years as part of the Northeastern University NExT Network and Doctor of Education program.

At Northeastern, he has been teaching classes (along with colleagues) on how to start and make a difference in the world, by way of entrepreneurial activity and experiential learning. And his focus has always been on inspiring and empowering our doctoral students and all others he comes into contact with day-to-day around identifying their passions and interests and how they want to make a difference in the world. It is amazing to him that when he shares these highly innovative, creative, and learner centered schools and school programs across the country how many of those “in the trenches” (traditional schools and school systems) day in and day out don’t know of these communities or alternative, learner-centered models of teaching, learning, and schooling. He wants to close this gap.

Right now, he considers the best he can do is to lift up these stories of innovation and showcase how they are serving our youth and communities (and humanity) far better. Then do what he can to connect those who would also like to pursue better efforts with those that can help them. And beyond that, he personally makes himself available to inspire and empower them to do what they want to do – for youth, their communities, and our world.

"I’m here. Connect with me. Become inspired! Then let’s change the world!"

You Can Change Education Website
The Network Podcast Ep. 11
​Rethinking EDU Podcast Ep. 5

Articles:
The Need for Revolutionary Networks, in Getting Smart
The Superhero Schools of Philadelphia in Getting Smart
J-term at Lyndon Institute: Engaging in Interest- and Passion-driven Learning in Getting Smart
Where the Experiential Learning Movement Meets Learner-Centered Education in Education Reimagined
What the Pandemic has Taught Us about Nourishing Young Peoples’ Growth in Education Reimagined