Before joining Goalbook, Nate taught grades K–5 and coached soccer and basketball for grades 7–8. Nate also served as a Comprehensive Needs Program teacher for grades K–4.
In this Q&A, Nate shares how he feels proud and happy that his work at Goalbook helps to improve the education system through supporting our educators in being successful so they can support their students in being successful, too.
- What inspired you to go into education?
I was born with a cataract in my left eye, leaving me with only 20% vision. Being born with a cataract was a challenge, and I had to overcome many obstacles growing up due to this. I was really fortunate to have a really strong family support system with my mom, dad, and brother. My brother was always there to stick up for me and always made me feel better when I was down. My mom and dad always pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone. Having this strong family support system helped me overcome the obstacles and challenges I faced.
I tell this story because growing up, I knew to some extent what others thought I could not do. But I knew exactly what I could do, and I never let others’ opinions nor failure stop me from being the best person I could be. I realized that there were other kids who had disabilities in the same position: they were told by others that they would struggle and could not do certain things. I made it my goal to support all students however I could in being the best versions of themselves.
- Was there a specific moment where you first considered transitioning to EdTech? How did you determine what role in EdTech would be best for you? Why did you think you would like that role and think you’d be good at it?
I have always had a love for technology. Whether it was getting the newest gaming system, learning about a new software program, or helping my family members figure out how to work their new computers/laptops — technology has always been a knack of mine.
When the pandemic hit, and we went fully virtual, I felt like it was an opportunity to really show off my ability to navigate different web-based systems to support my students miles away from one another. When I was not working directly with my students via Zoom, I was researching and seeking out different programs that would support them through distance learning. I wanted to make the whole process easier for them to participate and enjoy. This was almost like a “light-bulb” moment for me, as from then on, I knew I wanted to continue to make an impact in the area of education, but with a different mindset going forward.
After going through the pandemic, my priorities and thought process shifted, and I was ready for something new. I wanted to still have an impact and to stay in education. I thought to myself, “If only I could take my love for helping others and mix in my passion for technology, this would be the perfect combination.” I came across a Goalbook job posting from EdSurge’s job board, and it was a real “ah ha” moment because Goalbook aligned so closely with the work I had been doing.
I had known about Goalbook for a few years; I even had a trial account. I immediately saw how instrumental Goalbook Toolkit was in providing educators a platform that was incredibly user-friendly, but also gave them confidence in knowing everything was research-based and made the paperwork process more efficient.
“My work now aligns to the main priority I had when teaching — building relationships and rapport…”
- In your eyes, how does your work as a District and School Customer Success Manager support Goalbook’s mission to empower educators to transform instruction so all students succeed?
My main priority as a teacher was to establish and continuously build a rapport with my students that allowed them to feel comfortable, confident, and excited to walk into the classroom each and every day. While this was the main goal, there was always the paperwork that came with it, too. Paperwork that took away time from my daily practices to support my students.
My work now aligns to the main priority I had when teaching — building relationships and rapport with decision makers, principals, administrators, and teachers, and this drives our work and our partnerships. IEPs are so necessary and important, but they are tiring, tedious work. Making the paperwork process fluid and efficient gives time back to educators to do what they love — building relationships and rapport with students and being effective teachers.
“This is how we improve the education system: supporting our educators in being successful, so they can support their students in being successful, too.”
- In your current role, when do you most feel your work is contributing to improve the education system?
Three key words in Goalbook’s mission stand out to me: Empower, Transform, and Succeed.
As an educator, I remember how challenging it was to really adapt and modify goals and instruction to meet the needs of all of the students on my caseload. The range of instructional levels left me in a state of confusion and I felt, at times, like I was trying to reach up for air, but always felt like I was being dragged down. Ultimately, this started to impact my instructional delivery and progress of my students.
When it comes to my current role, I make sure to communicate to all educators that Goalbook is a platform that will EMPOWER them. It will give them the confidence to be able to assess their students to find their instructional levels, as well as provide the appropriate goals and strategies that align directly to where their students are. They can do it!
I also make sure to share that Goalbook Toolkit allows educators to TRANSFORM all elements of instruction to support their students. I want them to know that they can still hold those high expectations for their students, and with the help of Goalbook Toolkit, they can adjust/modify the levels of support for each student, no matter where they are at.
Putting it all together, this is how we allow ALL of our students to SUCCEED. This is how we improve the education system: supporting our educators in being successful, so they can support their students in being successful, too.
“I also love being able to support the thousands of amazing educators, whether it is directly in the Midwest, or traveling for on-site training across the country.”
- What’s one thing you enjoy about working at Goalbook?
Working at Goalbook has been an absolute dream. My fellow colleagues feel more like family than they do colleagues, to be honest. While we all are very much invested in our daily responsibilities, we all push each other to grow and learn both professionally and personally.
I also love being able to support the thousands of amazing educators, whether it is directly in the Midwest, or traveling for on-site training across the country. I know the work we are doing is making an impact in more areas than one, and I absolutely love being a part of this team!
- Is there anything you’d like to add?
The past couple of years have been really positive for me. The transition from teaching in the classroom to working in EdTech has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. It has allowed me to go back to what I love to do, and I love my job. I feel empowered by my work because I know the impact I can make for more than one person. It’s a really good feeling.
