Storytelling with an Alternative Educator and Entrepreneur

Laura Sandefer is an author and the co-founder of Acton Academy, a school whose learner-driven model is spreading across the globe with over 130 locations in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, Malaysia and more, and in 2019 is celebrating 10 years of letting children take learning into their owns hands.

Acton Academy bases their model of learning on the Hero’s Journey: a story pattern common in ancient myths and modern day adventures in which a hero goes on an adventure, wins a victory and comes home transformed. Children at Acton Academy know why they are being challenged to learn — they are on their own Hero’s Journey to find their passion in life.

Sandefer went on her own Hero’s Journey in starting Acton Academy, which she chronicles in her book Courage to Grow: How Acton Academy Turns Learning Upside Down. She became a reluctant entrepreneur, growing Acton Academy so other parents can start their own learner-driven communities.

“When you have the hero’s journey narrative in your mind, what you realize is that every single human you come across has treasure within. Each person’s treasure is different.” - Laura Sandefer on story and empathy

Developing Empathy as a Storyteller

It’s important to understand empathy. Whether you’re telling a story or taking part in one, developing empathy helps connect us.

Practicing vulnerability helps us to tap into empathy on a deeper level. While we’re nervous about sharing our faults or weaknesses and fears, if we can share with other people, we can feel a sudden surge of connection.

Laura also says one way to develop empathy is to practice it daily. Interestingly, she says she’s learned this lesson through failure.

“The more I fail as a storyteller and I see an audience with those blank eyes or when my husband walks away… the more urgency I feel to get better at it.” - Laura Sandefer on developing empathy

Connect with Laura:

• Acton Academy

• Acton Academy Parents Site

• Laura’s book Courage to Grow

• Laura on LinkedIn

• Laura on Twitter

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