Passion Meets purpose

Our Story: The Journey of IntegratED

​Hey, fellow educators! We’ve hit the four-year mark, which has us reflecting on how it all began, the challenges and triumphs, and the exciting plans we have for the future. So grab a coffee, and let's dive into how passion met purpose in creating IntegratED.

The Humble Beginnings

You might wonder, "How did this whole idea come about?" When Meg and I worked closely with the University of Wyoming, we found ourselves diving into curriculum creation—Meg for second grade and me for first grade. We weren’t just adding another task to the list; we were really digging into the standards, figuring out how to integrate new content meaningfully into our classrooms.
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Working on this curriculum was eye-opening. We gained valuable skills in curriculum design and a deeper understanding of educational standards. It felt more than just a project; it was a purpose-driven task. But we knew adding “one more thing” to an already-packed teacher workload could feel overwhelming. So, we started brainstorming ways to make it easy, adaptable, and impactful for fellow educators in the classroom.

An Invitation That Changed Everything

Our journey took a monumental turn when we were nominated for a Teacher Leadership Academy in Houston, Texas. We couldn’t believe it! We thought, “Two teachers from Wyoming? No way!” But we were invited. This experience was transformative. It wasn’t just the professional growth, though that was incredible. We realized that we had something valuable to offer beyond our classrooms. We thought, "Could we be leaders, sharing our insights and making a real impact in education on a broader scale?" That question stuck with us, and IntegratED began to take shape.

Building the Vision and Finding Our Name

When we decided to make IntegratED a reality, we knew the heart of our mission: integrating resources and simplifying approaches for educators. Naming it, however, was another challenge! We went through endless sheets of paper with potential names, synonyms, and ideas. Finally, we landed on “IntegratED,” with the capital “ED” symbolizing education. But it was more than just a clever name; it represented how we envisioned our work—integrating skills, content, social-emotional tools, and strategies that support educators holistically. 

And that little arrow in our logo? It’s not just a design choice. It stands for our commitment to continuous growth, moving forward, and helping others do the same. IntegratED is not just a service; it’s a mindset we hope to share with every educator we connect with.

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From Classroom to Conference Rooms

Our first presentation was at a national Innovative Schools Conference in San Antonio, Texas. We felt on top of the world. Being on the River Walk and seeing even a small group of engaged attendees left us buzzing with excitement. That day, something clicked for both of us: we were hooked! We loved sharing what we’d learned, not just as content but as a passion to help other educators make fundamental changes in their classrooms.

And here we are today, continuing to speak at conferences, lead trainings, and host virtual cohorts. Every opportunity to connect with fellow educators reaffirms our commitment to this work. It’s about making classrooms more engaging, effective, and supportive for students and teachers.

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Balancing It All: Our Integrated Lives

People often ask us, “How do you manage it all?” Well, to be honest, it’s not just about professional balance but personal integration, too. We’re still in the classroom, teaching third-grade next door to each other. We both love greeting our students each morning—standing in the hallway with coffee, soaking in their smiles as they start their day.

But our lives don’t stop there. We’re also wives and moms. Between us, we have seven kids, ranging from two to 15 years old. It’s a beautiful, chaotic juggle, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The support systems around us—our families, husbands, and friends—play an enormous role in making this possible. Their support allows us to put our all into IntegratED, knowing that our families are there and cheering us on.

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Strong Teams: The Foundation of Success

Through IntegratED, we’ve learned that teamwork isn’t just something we preach—it’s essential. Our team plays an indispensable role in everything we do. Together, we create, innovate, and support one another to deliver the best we can. 

Working together as “yin and yang,” Meg and I bring different strengths to the table. It’s a unique dynamic that helps us tackle tasks more effectively. We complement each other’s styles, ensuring that every part of IntegratED is touched with insight and care. We want to bring that teamwork philosophy to other educators, too. Building strong teams in education is foundational to creating strong content, lesson plans, and, ultimately, strong instruction.

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Why Passion Meets Purpose

Reflecting on the past four years, I see how our passion has guided us. IntegratED didn’t start as a grand plan; it was born from small, genuine steps—conversations during post-work runs, scribbled brainstorms, and the desire to make a difference. Each stage has been about pursuing our passion: improving education, one integrated idea at a time.

Our work with IntegratED continues to be deeply fulfilling. Knowing that we can help fellow educators find ease and excitement in teaching is a feeling that never gets old. As we move forward, that little arrow in our logo serves as a reminder of our purpose. We’re here to help educators find meaning and joy in what they do, with tools that help them—and their students—thrive.

So, here’s to passion meeting purpose, continued growth, and the incredible journey that is IntegratED. Thanks for being part of it with us!

Let’s think different together, 
Kara and Meg

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Want to learn more about the IntegratED Cohort?

The IntegratED cohort is a professional development program designed for educators who seek to enhance instructional practices with innovative, integrated strategies. Through hands-on training and collaborative sessions, participants learn how to create cohesive, standards-aligned lesson plans that bridge subjects and engage students on multiple levels. We provide resources and coaching to help teachers implement these strategies in their classrooms effectively, emphasizing student engagement and team-based curriculum design. We aim to equip educators with the tools to customize instruction, foster stronger classroom dynamics, and streamline planning processes to improve educational outcomes. Contact us today at [email protected].

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