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"We experience the greatest sense of
meaning and fulfilment when we
are able to contribute to people’s lives
and the world."

Contribution is key.

Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, and Ngāi Tahu
CEO / Founder of The Learner First

Joanne McEachen

"Assessment shouldn’t serve as a judge,
but a guide, giving students direction
on where to go next."

Read the Assessment Paper

Learn more about the Contributive Learning Framework

Imagine a future where every child leaves school
knowing who they are, how they fit into the world,
and how they can contribute to humanity.

Global expertise empowering
local agency.

Global Education Leaders

Led by education leader Joanne McEachen and a team of international experts, we bring decades of diverse educational experience to guide schools, educators, learners, and communities.

Meet Our Team

Individualized Support

What matters most in your communities should be decided locally and built around your unique goals and values. We tailor our support to determine what success means to you, and then to help you achieve it.

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Outcomes That Matter

Our Contributive Learning Framework focuses on the outcomes learners need—self-understanding, connection, knowledge, and competency—and on how schools can enable learning and wellbeing for all.

See Our Story

"The purpose of education is to learn who you are, how you fit into the world, and how you can contribute your gifts to humanity."

Joanne McEachen, The Learner First Founder and CEO

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"The purpose of education is to learn who you are, how you fit into the world, and how you can contribute your gifts to humanity." Joanne McEachen, The Learner First Founder & CEO

Recent Post

Reclaiming Our Knowledge

Thought Piece

I often find myself sharing an idea or opinion and then wondering, genuinely, “Where did that come from?” I’ll search through my life, what I’ve learned along the way, and try to tease out connections to the original source. Sometimes,…

Contribution as a lens for well-being and a vision for education.

We experience the greatest sense of meaning and fulfilment when we are able to contribute to people’s lives and the world. It gives a positive purpose to our actions, highlights our strengths and provides an application of our knowledge.

Schools and communities can be the space to foster well-being for everyone. When the ultimate goal is to Contribute then students, teachers, leaders and families will build critical competencies, give purpose to curricular subjects, and strive for success.

A few of our partners

What’s New?

The latest news and learning from us and other voices.

Blazing Trails in Oklahoma City Public Schools

News

Sparked by their work with The Learner First, Oklahoma City Public Schools have ditched test driven teaching tools in favor of a bold, new direction: project-based learning. The exciting new teaching methods have drawn the attention of the…

Are We Forcing Teachers into Malpractice?

Thought Piece

If you go to your doctor with a cold, she starts by asking you how you feel, what your symptoms are. You give her the list: runny nose, scratchy throat, achy muscles, shivers. She will then take your temperature, look in your ears and nose and…

Have any questions? Please get in touch!

CONTACT US

Email general inquiries to info@thelearnerfirst.com or find more contact info here.

We have businesses registered in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand and work with educators and schools in countries around the world.

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