Kami Thordarson

Background

About Kami Thordarson

My early career involved marketing, sales, and advertising. I've always found myself drawn to the role of teacher in various capacities. That unknown talent finally led me to an elementary classroom and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. As an educator, I have had a chance to impact the lives of many students, hopefully giving them a learning experience that they will remember and find valuable. My favorite part of teaching is actually the discovery and learning that occurs everyday as you journey through content and explore the lives of your students. A classroom is a community of learners that collaborates and shares stories as they try new things, learn from failure, and strive for success. I now work with teachers and adminstrators, hopefully providing some of the same learning opportunities. I want every teacher to feel like a designer of learning, understanding the freedom in exploring passions, the joy of uncharted waters, and knowing that with a great endeavor, there is often fear and failure, but the wisdom gained and exhilaration on the other side are well worth the risk. I have recently co-authored a book with Alyssa Gallagher, Design Thinking for School Leaders: Five Roles and Mindsets That Ignite Positive Change. The book outlines five roles and mindsets based in design thinking that can help school leaders both realize their true potential and the potential of their organizations. Our second book, Design Thinking in Play: An Action Guide for Educators offers a hands-on guide for using design thinking along with tools and ideas for implementation. I envision a real-world classroom in which teachers are empowered to transform education through technology and innovative practices, where students take ownership of their education, and classrooms are collaborative, problem-solving communities. I continue to present and share ideas both international and national conferences.