About

The School House Media Team provides the wisdom of decades of pracitce in K-20 learning. We understand that learning experiences are contextual and approach all projects with an open mind and a sense of co-ownership. We look forward to learning with you as we identify Big Ideas, Challenges and Solutions.

 

The Team

Mark Nichols, Founder and Executive Director

Mark has 30 years in the field of education including positions as a middle and secondary teacher and coach, outdoor educator, wilderness guide/instructor, district technology and curriculum director, professional development provider, multimedia/web/graphic designer, consultant and faculty/program director at the university level. During his 10 years at Arizona State University Mark moved from director of educational technology at KAET/PBS, to a faculty member in the COE, to a director in the University Technology Office.

Intertwined with his experience in public and private education is over a decade working with and for Apple in a variety of roles including Apple Distinguished Educator, contractor, a Development Executive and Manager of Online Content. Mark was an integral part of the original ACOT2 team that developed the concept of Challenge Based Learning (CBL), co-authored the CBL white paper, and managed the pilot and implementation projects for Apple. Mark has degrees in political science and economics, theology, education, public policy, and is currently pursuing a degree in graphic Information technology. He is also a proud owner of a lifelong ABD/PhD in Education.

Mark continues his work with Challenge Based Learning as CEO of the Challenge Institute and School House Media. He is currently the lead pedagogical consultant for the Apple Developer Academies in Brazil, Italy and Indonesia. He recently published a CBL Guide to help people implement Challenge Based Learning.

Christine Yarzabek, Assistant Director

Christine’s career includes building learning communities using Challenge Based Learning. Over the past 15 years, she has built a global network of educators who are redesigning how teachers teach and students learn. She brings deep experience in the following areas:

 

    • Instructional Designer

    • Curriculum Design and Development

    • Technology Integration

    • Professional Learning Facilitator

    • K-20 Education

    • Challenge Based Learning

    • Reading Specialist