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ABOUT US

Empowering Change, Inspiring Growth.

We are dedicated to empowering change makers, educators, and micro business owners. We provide the tools, knowledge, coaching, and community needed to drive innovation, enhance education, and create positive social impact.

Casual Meeting
Working During Lunch
Working from Home
Meghan Raftery of Edjacent, a design collaborative that helps teachers launch small businesses
Meeting Room Business
Group of teachers on the Edjacent team in Virginia Beach listening to Meghan Raftery’s presentation

WHO WE ARE

Empowering Change Makers

Edjacent defines “change makers” as individuals actively seeking to create positive social change. They innovate new approaches, develop solutions, and inspire others to join their efforts. Change makers exhibit initiative, creativity, and perseverance, mobilizing resources and people toward meaningful transformations.

Supporting Educators & Edupreneurs

At Edjacent, we believe every human is born both a teacher and a learner. Educators work to improve individuals and humanity by sharing knowledge, increasing skills, and promoting wisdom. Edupreneurs leverage their expertise and entrepreneurial mindset to create, develop, and implement initiatives, products, or services that enhance educational experiences and outcomes. They exhibit resilience, creativity, and a relentless commitment to improving education for all learners.

Nurturing Micro Business Owners

Edjacent supports individuals who run small businesses or are newly embracing the role of micro business owner. These individuals seek to monetize their expertise and collaborate with like-minded innovators. They are motivated by the need to elevate innovative ideas while maintaining their values and integrity. The term "micro" emphasizes a manageable, low-risk step towards entrepreneurship, allowing experimentation and growth without significant financial risk.

THE TEAM

Meet Our Admin

Donna Spangler.jpg

Donna Spangler

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After an incredibly rewarding 35 years of experience in public education, I retired as the Department Coordinator for Instructional Coaches in Hershey, PA. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to wear many hats: Co-President of Learning Forward Pennsylvania, President of the DTSD teachers' union, assistant principal, instructional coach, mentor, and teacher. I've also had opportunities to design microcredentials and run a district’s teacher induction and mentoring program. Currently, I work as a virtual coach for Sibme, collaborating with administrators, coaches, and teachers across the US, leveraging online video coaching in schools and classrooms. My husband and I also serve part-time as relief houseparents at Milton Hershey School, a nearby residential school. I received a master's degree in curriculum, assessment, and instruction as well as an Ed.D. in teacher leadership at Walden University. I have another master's degree in education from Cabrini University, a K-12 technology certification from the University of Maryland Global Campus, a K-12 principal certification from Penn State, and teaching certificates from Villanova University and Millersville University.

Meghan Raftery

Meghan Raftery

FOUNDER

I am an instructional designer and freelance educator in Virginia Beach, currently supporting teachers, schools, districts, and organizations on innovative projects; supporting educator wellness and development; and developing curriculum. A generalist at heart, I cultivate a breadth and depth of experience both inside and outside of education. I received my teaching degree from Shippensburg University, my master’s degree from Penn State University, and endorsements from University of Virginia (gifted education) and George Washington University (administration). I am also proud to be a certified life coach.

Our Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles are at the root of who we are and how we serve the Edjacent Design Collaborative.

Take Care of Yourself

The beginning of caring for others is taking care of yourself. 

Take Care of Each Other

When you are well, you can extend that care to others.

Take Care of This Place

When groups of people work together, they can create healthy and happy spaces for others.

Image by Kiwihug
Image by Kiwihug
Image by Kiwihug
Image by Kiwihug

OUR MISSION

Creating the adjacent possible for education.

Edjacent's mission is to inspire, coach, and support individuals and organizations in creating meaningful change and achieving their full potential. We aim to:

  • Engage: Foster a vibrant community of like-minded individuals dedicated to innovation and positive social impact.

  • Support: Provide the resources, knowledge, and coaching needed to drive success.

  • Transform: Help individuals and organizations reach their full potential and create lasting change.

Want to learn more about us?

Check out some of our blog posts that share more about who we are and what we believe in.

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