Celebrating the Right Work
A Big Thank You to The Learner First Team and our Partners
As I sit down to write this, one thing is abundantly clear: I’m surrounded by a group of individuals who make the word “team” feel like an understatement. The work The Learner First team has been doing over the few past years isn’t just work—it’s the “right work.” And I can’t let another moment pass without taking the opportunity to say how deeply appreciated each of you are.
For those reading this who aren’t part of our daily magic, allow me to share a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes. Over the past few years, we’ve been pushing forward with our mission to embed Contributive LearningTM into classrooms, schools, and communities across the globe. The idea that learning should not just be for personal gain, but for adding to the world—it’s more than a concept, it’s a movement. And this movement only happens because of the dedication, creativity, and insight of each team member.
Let’s talk about the remarkable work that’s been happening. From the development of resources to helping schools shift their focus from assessment for the sake of ranking to genuine growth and contribution, this team doesn’t take shortcuts. They’ve leaned into every challenge, stayed focused on the big picture, and still managed to keep a sense of humor intact—no easy feat when you’re balancing complex global work with the intricacies of education systems in multiple countries. (Not to mention handling me and my endless flow of ideas!)
They’ve been relentless advocates for student well-being. In a world that is so focused on data and outcomes they bravely turned the conversation to people and purpose. The result? Schools across the world, from New Zealand and Australia to the US, are not just improving in test scores but becoming vibrant places where students thrive because they know they matter.
Now, let’s give a shoutout to the leaders of the schools we’ve partnered with. To the principals, administrators, and educators from New Zealand and Australia to the United States, Hong Kong, Dubai and beyond—you are just as much a part of this journey. Sharing knowledge across borders, time zones, and education systems is no small thing. It’s an incredible collaboration of ideas, experiences, and a collective will to make the world a better place for learners everywhere.
What’s most amazing is the ripple effect of the work. The conversations we have, the strategies implemented, the challenges solved—they’re not just changing classrooms, they’re building a better world, one learner at a time.
To every single member of The Learner First team, and to every school leader and educator we’ve worked with: You are, quite simply, remarkable. Your unwavering commitment, brilliant insights, and ability to see the bigger picture—these are the things that make this work possible, and more importantly, make it meaningful.
Here’s to another year of learning, contributing, and creating a world where education isn’t just about what you achieve but about what you give back. Thank you for being part of the journey and for making it such an inspiring one. You’re truly the right people doing the right work. Let’s keep going, because we’re only getting started.
With deepest appreciation and admiration,
Joanne
PS. For those who aren’t part of our TLF Family yet… we would love to partner with you!
Contact us at info@thelearnerfirst.com to connect and learn more!
