Michael Nachbar
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent School colleagues. This month we are spotlighting Michael Nachbar.
Michael is the Executive Director of Global Online Academy, a pioneering network of schools and educators reimagining learning to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society. Michael is a frequent speaker and workshop facilitator at national and international conferences, and presents on such topics as educational trends impacting schools, modern teaching and learning, and global education.
Michael is an active board member for several education organizations, including Lakeside School in Seattle, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and Independent School Association Network (ISAnet). He served as a founding board member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, and as a trustee for Summer Search Seattle and Jump! Foundation. Michael holds a B.A. in both English and Psychology from Indiana University, and earned a M.A. in Education Leadership through the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Michael began his teaching career as a Teach For America corps member.
To find out more about Global Online Academy, please check out their website.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
Ten years ago we set out to humanize online spaces and that has been critical and important work to define for independent schools. The question that has been at the heart of our work is how do we create human-centered learning environments that empower all learners to thrive in a globally networked society? It’s been a rewarding journey doing this work with so many incredible schools and educators.
What are some of your greatest achievements?
One part of our work that stands out is that we’ve created an amazing global network of schools, leaders, and educators who are imagining new ways to learn. We’re bringing people together at a time when a networked approach is more important than ever. We’ve created a suite of courses for middle and high school students that is experiential and constantly expanding. Our professional learning programs elevate teacher practice within a global community of peers, and we’re a partner with our schools in professional growth. We’ve been an educational incubator that’s helped our schools respond to—and create—change. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in our first decade!
How has Covid-19 affected your job/business and how have you adapted?
Before COVID, having an online strategy was an option for schools. Now, it is essential. We have to think about how online learning can support our efforts to evolve in the aftermath of pandemic education. I believe GOA's work reimagining education is more important than ever.
What is your connection to RG175?
There is a shared commitment to partnering with schools to create environments where students thrive. We also share a lot of history! Two members of the RG175 team were founders of GOA, and others have worked at 18 GOA schools in their careers.