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Mike McGalliard

Imagination Foundation

Culver City, CA USA

"You don't really say, 'I am now learning.' You're experiencing stuff, and along the way, you're reflecting on it, and then you're learning."

Career Roadmap

Mike's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Executive Director

I enjoy starting-up organizations and programs that support schools, learning and overall youth development.

My path in life has been direct

1.
Realized there was a disconnect between schooling and learning; thought if he had his own school, he could reattach the two.
2.
Studied literature at Reed College because he liked big ideas, and he found those ideas in the books he was reading.
3.
Wanted to find a profession where he could share his ideas and learn from others' beliefs.
4.
Got his first job as a substitute high school English teacher at the age of 22.
5.
On his first day, he went into the teacher's lounge with huge expectations, but realized that all of the teachers were just sitting around, angry.
6.
Felt a sense of squandered potential; realized he needed to get out of that demoralizing environment, but continue working with kids.
7.
The Imagination Foundation is a nonprofit that partners with schools and camps to help kids learn through play.
8.
Says he's continually learning from the children he works with, and is constantly impressed with their intuition and willingness to learn.

Keep following my journey