Ashley Wenter Of Pangaea Consulting On 5 Things That Should Be Done To Improve The US Educational System
…Implement systems that guarantee every student has access to at least one trusted adult on campus, ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and known. This would involve providing schools with the necessary resources to foster relationships between students and staff, whether through mentoring programs, advisory periods, or dedicated school staff like counselors, social workers, or even teachers with a designated role as a support person. San Diego Unified School District implemented a Check In/Check Out system across a number of schools in the district where each student was assigned to an adult mentor who they report to for emotional and academic support. The program has led to a significant decrease in behavioral incidents and chronic absenteeism. Schools using this model reported an 18% decrease in absenteeism and a notable improvement in student emotional well-being, as students felt more connected to their school community…
As a part of our interview series about the things that should be done to improve the US educational system I had the pleasure to interview Ashley Wenter, a passionate educator whose practice is embedded in servant leadership. Having served as both a K-12 administrator and secondary teacher, Ashley carries a unique insight: she understands the shifting responsibilities that fall on our nation’s educators and the necessity to create safe academic communities where true learning and growth can be uncovered. Ashley holds a BA in English from the University of Maryland, an M.Ed from California Lutheran University, and has earned recognition as ACSA Region 13 Administrator of the Year (2020) and Spirit of Conejo Teacher of the Year (2015). She now co-owns Pangaea Consulting, a safety and security firm that focuses their efforts on creating safer school communities around the country.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share the “backstory” behind what brought you to this particular career path?
I have always loved working with children. From babysitting at a young age to being a camp counselor to caring for children with special needs, it was clear that a career centered around helping kids would be a good fit for me. Granted, like any normal human being, I questioned myself and very seriously considered being a goldsmith and jewelry designer, but that faded fast. After my first week of being a teaching assistant in a 6th grade class, I was hooked! I quickly realized what a passion and talent I had, and enrolled in a credential and Master’s degree program. Since then, I have taught everything from sixth grade to adults. Seventeen years later, I can still honestly say that I love teaching, it just looks a little different for me now than it did in a traditional K-12 school setting.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When you work with humans, but particularly kids, there is never a dull moment. I could share hundreds of funny stories, but I would say one of the most interesting is the plot twist that my career took about 2 years ago. Until 2022, I worked in a traditional K-12 public school district as a teacher, instructional coach, program coordinator and site administrator. I was actually fortunate enough to teach in the same school district that I grew up in, which was a very full-circle and beautiful experience for me. I wasn’t a great student, so in many ways, being able to “go back home” helped me prove to myself that my worth wasn’t tied up in the narrative I had created for myself around not being smart enough or good enough. Needless to say, I developed many very close relationships in that setting, so in 2022 when we moved to the other side of the country, I had some big feelings about what to do next.
My husband, a Marine Corps veteran with a background in safety and security who protected President Bush, has dedicated his career to keeping at-risk communities safe. When we moved, we decided to join forces and use our strengths and backgrounds in education, leadership, safety, and security to grow our company and focus on protecting schools, students and staff.
It has been a thrilling experience. I still get to teach, write curriculum, and develop comprehensive programs. I just now do it for adults who work within school settings — from teachers to support staff to counselors to security staff.
I think my biggest lesson learned is that life can look differently than you might expect but if you are courageous enough to let your passion drive you, it can be a beautifully fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
Yes, I am working on so many new projects; it is all exciting and exhausting! I am finalizing the curriculum for a new program that will provide high-level directors who oversee school security staff with the tools to hire, support, evaluate, and drive their teams toward ensuring safer school environments.
I also just began writing a children’s book to help parents and educators support school-aged kids through hard conversations about safety at school. This project feels particularly important and equally daunting; I want to be sure to create a helpful resource for families, so I put a lot of pressure on myself to get it right.
Can you briefly share with our readers why you are an authority in the education field?
After having worked in K-12 schools for 15 years as an English teacher, instructional coach, program coordinator and administrator, I have been fortunate enough to have a depth of experience and exposure to educational settings. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, a Masters in Education with an emphasis on service learning, as well as teaching and administrative credentials, I am just as much a learner as I am a teacher; this a mindset that I believe is critical in order to be an authority on anything.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our interview. From your point of view, how would you rate the results of the US education system?
I don’t think a single rating would be a fair assessment. There are so many different facets of the larger system: public, charter, private, homeschooling, co-ops, and the list goes on. And within each of those facets, there is no equality or consistency. Even when analyzing schools within the same district where standards are aligned, there are too many variables to make a fair comparison: class size, student needs, teacher efficacy, educational philosophy.
Having said that, I would say that we are generally not doing well. We could, and absolutely should, do much better for our students, our school staff, and our communities. Historically, communities revolved around central locations like post offices and schoolhouses. These places didn’t just serve practical purposes — they brought people together and provided hope for the future. Schools were seen as the heart of a community, a place of connection, growth, and shared investment in the next generation.
We are not consistently providing that sense of connection and purpose today, and this is reflected in the challenges our education system faces. Across the country, many schools struggle to serve as the community hubs they once were, and we need to prioritize rebuilding that role. Schools should be places where every student, staff member, and family feels valued, connected, and supported, fostering not just academic success but interpersonal growth and a deep sense of community.
Can you identify 5 areas of the US education system that are going really great?
For the purpose of this and the remaining questions, I am going to use K-12 public schools as my guidepost and reference. It is the system I know best and I think it most widely applies to the label “US education system” given that they are governed by different requirements than private schools.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): The first area I think is going well is the integration of social emotional learning within K-12 classrooms. Whether schools are teaching young children to feel, identify and name their many emotions, or they’re showing older students the benefits of mindfulness and stress management, we need more of this in every single classroom. SEL programs teach students essential life skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution, fostering healthier school climates and preparing students for the interpersonal demands of the real world.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): High school CTE programs have evolved significantly in the last few years and many now offer high-quality, specialized training in fields like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. These programs allow students to develop specific skills aligned with real-world job markets, making them well-prepared for a range of career paths. With the flexibility of dual-enrollment options and certifications, CTE programs also provide alternative pathways to traditional college degrees. College is not a strong fit for all students and I appreciate that programs like CTE help students transition directly into the workforce.
Digital Literacy: Many schools have embraced technology to prepare students in grades 2–12 for a digital world, offering various tech tools like Chromebooks, tablets, and digital learning platforms. Although programs like the federal E-rate help to reduce disparities in access, challenges still exist within underserved communities. I believe digital literacy and responsible use is vital for the success of our students, and I also feel strongly that schools and families work to strike a balance. Especially with the risks that exist online, not all families want their children using technology and they should have the right to set reasonable boundaries, even if it presents challenges for educators. Schools should respect and support these decisions.
Early Childhood Education: More recently, early access to education has become a national priority, with states like Georgia and Wisconsin expanding access to quality pre-K programs. We know that early learning experiences have a profound impact on cognitive and social development for children, setting a strong foundation for academic and social success. State efforts to provide universal pre-K programs, particularly for underserved communities, reflect a growing commitment to equalizing educational opportunities from a young age.
Extracurricular Opportunities: Many U.S. schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, from athletics to music, drama, and debate. These programs give students critical opportunities to develop talents, explore interests, and build skills outside of academics. Extracurriculars enhance students’ social, emotional, and leadership skills, which can positively impact their academics, connection to school, and personal development. As both a teacher and administrator, I can recall many students who both showed up to school and earned passing grades only so that they could access their passions via their activities; needless to say, I feel strongly that all students find something they love at school, just not academics.
Can you identify the 5 key areas of the US education system that should be prioritized for improvement? Can you explain why those are so critical?
Modernizing Curricula and Pedagogy: The U.S. education system must evolve to align with the demands of our changing world. Modern curricula should prioritize critical thinking, digital literacy, and practical and relevant skills, and social/emotional learning. In the same vein, educators must continue to evolve their teaching practices to foster engagement, connection and adaptability. Approaches like project-based learning, service learning, and passion projects connect content to students’ interests and empower them as problem-predictors and problem-solvers. Incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles — such as flexible seating, collaborative spaces, and accessible tools — ensures that all students are learning within an environment where they can grow. By carefully examining both what and how we teach, schools can continue to create meaningful learning experiences for students.
Equitable and Sustainable School Funding: Public schools in the U.S. are often funded by local property taxes, which creates significant disparities in resources between wealthy and low-income communities. Equitable funding is essential for addressing systemic inequality and ensuring that every child has access to high-quality education, regardless of their zip code. Equitable funding would also allow schools to prioritize safety, security, and mental health resources without diverting funds from academics or activities. School and district administrators should not have to choose between providing quality compensation for educators, ensuring a secure and welcoming environment, and investing in the resources and programs that enrich student learning and development.
Prioritizing Teacher Support and Retention: Teachers are the backbone of the education system, yet many are overworked, underpaid, and burdened with non-instructional duties. High attrition rates, particularly in underserved areas, exacerbate inequities and disrupt student learning. The New Teacher Center, an organization committed to ensuring that every student and teacher receives the support they need to succeed, emphasizes that teacher turnover disproportionately affects underserved students. Investing in higher salaries, meaningful professional development, smaller class sizes, and reduced non-instructional burdens would help attract and retain talented educators. I used to have a boss that would say “Happy adults help to create happy kids” and it’s so true; a supported and motivated teaching workforce directly correlates with better student outcomes and healthier school environments.
Access to Mental Health Supports: Mental health challenges among students are rising, making it critical for schools to provide more resources for both students and their families. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that nearly 1 in 5 youth aged 13–18 have a mental health disorder, yet the majority do not receive treatment. As many parents and educators know, the pandemic only exacerbated this issue, with anxiety and depression among children and adolescents increasing by more than 25% in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Access to counselors, social workers, and psychologists ensures early intervention and support for those students in distress. Many families, however, face barriers to accessing external mental health services. Schools can help by offering family outreach, providing information on local resources, and partnering with clinics for onsite services.
Financial Literacy and Life Skills Education: The American education system often prioritizes academic subjects, leaving many essential life-skills to be overlooked. To truly prepare students for the future, we must focus on developing self-sufficient, critical, and capable thinkers. From financial literacy to gardening, students need the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their own lives, without relying too heavily on external systems or expecting everything to be provided for them. According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, 60% of adults report feeling financially insecure, often because they were not equipped with the necessary skills during their education. By integrating practical, useful life-skills into the curriculum, we can foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, empowering students to not only navigate financial systems but also manage everyday tasks and challenges. Providing a comprehensive life-skills component would better prepare students to face the future independently, make sound decisions, and lead fulfilling, self-sufficient lives.
How is the US doing with regard to engaging young people in STEM? Can you suggest three ways we can increase this engagement?
I think we have improved in the way we engage young people in STEM, and I also believe we have a ways to go. To increase engagement in STEM, the U.S. education system must focus on early exposure and access. Early hands-on learning experiences, such as coding, robotics clubs, and accessible summer camps, can spark interest in STEM fields, particularly when integrated into elementary and middle school curricula. Recent data shared by the National Center for Education Statistics reveals a concerning decline in math scores among female students: Between 2019 and 2023, average math scores for fourth-grade girls decreased by 18 points, while eighth-grade girls experienced a 27-point decline. These dynamics highlight the importance of addressing gender-specific challenges in our education system, especially in STEM fields.
Can you articulate to our readers why it’s so important to engage girls and women in STEM subjects?
Engaging girls in STEM is essential for both economic empowerment and innovation. STEM careers are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying fields, and by encouraging girls to pursue these areas, we provide them with access to high-paying, in-demand jobs, helping to reduce the gender wage gap. Women in STEM also experience more job stability and flexibility, which enhances their financial independence. Furthermore, increasing female participation in STEM leads to greater innovation. Studies show that diverse teams, which include women, are proven to outperform homogeneous teams in problem-solving and decision-making, leading to more creative and effective solutions. Ensuring girls are actively involved in STEM not only empowers them but also enhances the overall ability to address the world’s complex challenges.
How is the US doing with regard to engaging girls and women in STEM subjects? Can you suggest three ways we can increase this engagement?
As mentioned above, I think we have improved and must continue to do so. In order to increase engagement, schools can address stereotypes and biases by promoting female role models in STEM. Highlighting successful women in STEM and providing mentorship opportunities can inspire girls to pursue these fields, showing them that these careers are within their reach and represented by people just like them. At the same time, we must challenge societal stereotypes that suggest STEM is a male-dominated space. By fostering a growth mindset, celebrating achievements, and creating supportive learning environments, we can help girls feel confident and capable in STEM, breaking down the barriers that often discourage them.
If you had the power to influence or change the entire US educational infrastructure, what five things would you implement to improve and reform our education system? Can you please share a story or example for each?
If I had a magic wand that could influence the US educational system, here are five key reforms I would implement, each aimed at making education more inclusive, engaging, and effective for all students:
- Require that school districts establish a comprehensive, ongoing professional development system that supports teachers’ growth, addresses their specific needs, and provides regular opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and authentic feedback. As the Credential Programs Coordinator for Las Virgenes Unified School District’s Center for Educational Excellence (Center EdX), I collaboratively authored and oversaw the implementation of three credential programs designed to provide educators with affordable career advancement opportunities. These programs were offered at nearly half the cost of local universities, making them accessible to more teachers, with the potential for costs to be absorbed by the schools/districts. The programs included the Teacher Induction Program, and both the Preliminary and Clear Administrative Credential Programs. By offering these affordable options, we empowered educators to advance their careers, improve their skills, provide and receive meaningful coaching, and ultimately provide better outcomes for students.
- Guarantee that every student has access to highly qualified educators by improving teacher compensation. Teachers are the cornerstone of student success, and to attract and retain the best educators, we must ensure they are compensated fairly and supported throughout their careers. Districts would be able to get creative to provide meaningful compensation and benefits packages that include loan forgiveness, retirement plans, supplemental pay, and other incentives and bonuses.
- Implement systems that guarantee every student has access to at least one trusted adult on campus, ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and known. This would involve providing schools with the necessary resources to foster relationships between students and staff, whether through mentoring programs, advisory periods, or dedicated school staff like counselors, social workers, or even teachers with a designated role as a support person. San Diego Unified School District implemented a Check In/Check Out system across a number of schools in the district where each student was assigned to an adult mentor who they report to for emotional and academic support. The program has led to a significant decrease in behavioral incidents and chronic absenteeism. Schools using this model reported an 18% decrease in absenteeism and a notable improvement in student emotional well-being, as students felt more connected to their school community.
- Requiring various thresholds for safety and security within school building infrastructure and providing dedicated funding for these improvements. With the rise of safety concerns, from active shooter situations to natural disasters, creating schools that are physically secure, welcoming, and conducive to learning is a top priority. This reform would focus on setting safety and security standards for building infrastructure and providing the financial resources necessary to, at a very minimum, meet those standards.
- Providing law enforcement officers (LEOs) with the training to seamlessly and effectively integrate into school communities. LEOs should be equipped not only to respond to active shooter situations and emergencies but also with the skills to engage positively with students and staff in day-to-day interactions. School districts and law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure officers become an integral part of the school community, balancing their tactical expertise with a welcoming, supportive presence that fosters trust and positive relationships. Such reform would allocate dedicated funds for collaboration between law enforcement, fire agencies, and school districts, covering essential training, facility use, and joint preparedness efforts. In June 2024, our company partnered with the City of Yucaipa in Southern California to develop a multi-agency active shooter response training for over 150 first responders from across the region. The primary goal was to enhance the coordination and readiness of law enforcement and emergency response teams for an active shooter situation at a local high school. The training was wildly successful because it included realistic simulations that allowed participants to practice and refine their response strategies, emphasizing the critical importance of collaborative efforts between local agencies to improve overall community safety.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
I once read a parable about a man in India who saved a spider from drowning, and as he lifted the spider from the water, it stung him. The next day, he walked down to the water to find the spider in a similar frantic state, and so he saved the spider, again being stung. By the third day, as he was rescuing the spider once more, the spider asked him, “Why do you keep lifting me? Can’t you see that I will sting you every time because that is what I do?” The kind man cupped his hands around the spider and replied “Because that is what I do.” I love this story because it asks us to reflect on the power of kindness and the importance of staying true to our own values, even when it seems difficult or not reciprocated; it reminds us that the act of loving and giving doesn’t depend on how others behave but on our commitment to embodying our own authentic nature.
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How can our readers further follow your work online?
Our website is www.PangaeaConsulting.org and our social media handle is @pangaeaconsulting on most platforms, although we are most active on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. We’d love your readers to follow our journey in keeping school communities safe!
Thank you so much for these insights! This was so inspiring!
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