Creating Collaborative Communities
Meet the Coaches
Molly and Andrew Goldstein
Educators, School Design Coaches
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As founders, designers, and teacher leaders at a pioneering Oregon charter school, Molly and Andrew have been at the forefront of school reform efforts focused on project-based learning and revitalizing school communities. Their impactful work spans diverse educational settings, from Oregon to Guatemala and Hong Kong.
Together, Molly and Andrew possess a dynamic
teaching and coaching chemistry. Their expertise in
instructional and leadership skills engage and inspire
students and teachers, cultivating a culture of active
learning and meaningful action. Their collaborative
approach empowers individuals to create and apply
their learning in transformative ways.
When considering Molly and Andrew as coaches for
your school, expect their guidance to invigorate
teaching practices, enhance project-based learning
initiatives, and foster a vibrant and purposeful learning
community. Their proven track record of success and
ability to inspire lasting change make them invaluable
assets to any educational institution striving to elevate
teaching and learning.
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Molly and Andrew Goldstein, coaches and founders of Blacksand Education, are lifelong educators dedicated to transforming teaching and learning. Their unique framework empowers students through local action, community education, and global connections. With extensive experience in education, they have conducted workshops and trainings worldwide, assisting schools in integrating this framework into projects and overall school design.
See Examples of Their Work:
An Empowered Interdisciplinary Learning Community
South Salem High School, Salem, Oregon USA
The team-taught integrated course, Environmental Issues, acted as a catalyst for fostering an action-oriented learning community. Collaborative teams of students
actively targeted a specific local environmental issue. Through a comprehensive
examination of the community's numerous environmental challenges, their focus
settled on the Willamette River. By delving into the river's history and
investigating the causes, effects, and potential solutions regarding water
pollution, the students actively engaged in service projects and established
connections with businesses, university professors, and community agencies.
These interactions enabled them to identify practical approaches for
reducing pollution and restoring the river's cleanliness. Throughout the
year, scaffolding was implemented to facilitate the students' development of research, problem-solving, and communication skills. With confidence and composure, they organized an end-of-year public exhibition of their learning, staging it at the State Capitol. Here, they effectively conveyed their findings to the Governor, legislators, and the wider public audience.