Laura Williams, MAT, M.ED ELPS. (@mrswilliams21c) - You Have To Decide

Laura Williams (MAT, M.ED ELPS)is your resident authentic learning expert, facilitates the Iowa Authentic Learning Network, and is the founder of the Authentic Learning Alliance. She also is a Project Manager of a statewide project board for PK-12 Students across Iowa serving the Iowa Area Education Agencies. Her educational background includes B.A. in Interdepartmental Health Studies: Emphasis on Multidisciplinary Sciences, M.A.T. in Secondary Science Education, and Principal Licensure and M.A. in Ed. Leadership and Policy Studies.  Over the past 10 years, she’s dedicated herself to transforming education through incorporating authentic learning experiences with area partnerships into PK-12 classrooms as an educator, consultant, and 21st Century Learning Specialist. She believes that education can be “the great equalizer” if we can leverage our student’s interests and passions. “We have ~6.5 instructional hours a day and I believe we can be the difference. We just have to dedicate the time, space, and connections to "up the ante" for students. I believe we can help each learner find their superpowers and help them develop 21st Century skills to be successful in living, learning, and working. We can help learners develop a mindset that they can be and do whatever they want in order to find their greatest human potential and live in their element.” Follow Laura on Twitter  @mrswilliams21c or email at laura@authenticlearningalliance.org