All teachers can recall a time when they observed a student have a breakthrough learning moment, only to discover in the following days that the student lost track of the details, couldn’t demonstrate the skill, or, even worse, had forgotten the lesson entirely.

Despite a rapidly changing global environment, K-12 education in the United States has remained frozen in time. Educational ideas and innovations come and go, with minimal impacts on student achievement outcomes. Despite these ideas and innovations, classrooms look remarkably similar to what they looked like at the beginning of the 20th century.

The serenity of the underwater world, with its vibrant marine life and hidden ecosystems, might seem worlds apart from the bustling corridors of educational institutions. Yet, my journey as an underwater explorer has imparted invaluable lessons that have profoundly influenced my approach to educational innovation. The parallels between exploring the depths of the ocean and navigating the complexities of the education system have shaped my leadership style, fostering a culture of exploration, resilience, and adaptability in the pursuit of learning.