Quality education is about crafting modules that aid all students
Education is both a fundamental right and a crucial necessity. However, for certain students, thriving in the demanding school environment can prove to be exceptionally challenging. Edkey® Inc. is a groundbreaker in challenging the traditional educational pattern that fails to provide quality education to students who have a need for a more personalized education. This innovative educational organization takes the responsibility of reshaping the landscape. This is accomplished through cutting-edge approaches that prioritize individual student needs and community empowerment.
This journey, guided by a passionate leader, Mark Plitzuweit, CEO of Edkey® Inc., has not only transformed the organization but also left an indelible mark on the education industry. Mark has personally experienced a lack of engagement when it comes to the educational process. Some students are not cut out for the traditional classroom setup of sitting in straight rows and enduring lectures for several months each year.
Mark simply didn’t fit the mold of that kind of student. As he progressed to undergraduate school, the sense of boredom and disinterest in traditional classes persisted. Mark also went through the same cycle. His grades mirrored his attitude toward the conventional schooling system. He chose to make a difference. He didn’t want future students to experience the same disengagement he felt, and that’s when he decided to become an educator, starting out and specializing in working with students facing behavioral challenges that prevented them from attending their assigned schools.
With multiple promotions and gained experience in both K-12 and post-secondary educational settings, the journey allowed him to refine his vision of what engaging education could be. Now, almost three decades later, he finds himself in a fortunate position as the CEO of an organization where the vision for transformative education comes to life every day.
Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of Edkey® Inc. and the visionary leader who steered it to where it stands today.
Making a Difference
Mark’s own experiences taught him the importance of finding alternative ways to learn and engage with education and marked the beginning of his journey into disrupting the status quo. With a zeal for making a difference, this aspiring leader embarked on a career to make the world a better place.
His dedication to student-centered success has led him to being a catalyst in disrupting the educational space for years. Edkey® Inc. operates as a 501c3 organization with a clear mission: “Edkey® Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality educational services to a variety of institutions, empowering fulfillment of their individual missions. Our services promote the improved quality of individual and family life.” This mission encapsulates the essence of Edkey® Inc.’s role as a support entity for schools and programs, working collaboratively to enhance the quality of education and life for individuals, families, and the communities they serve. It’s important to note that each school and program under Edkey® Inc. also has its unique mission and vision, further diversifying the focus of the educational programs available. This diversity in educational offerings is a testament to the organization’s commitment to catering to individual student needs.
Offering Quality Education
Mark decided to make an impact on the education industry that is profound and distinctive. While traditional educational models often adopt a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach, he transformed an organization that now stands apart with its student-centric philosophy. He firmly believes that diversity in programmatic offerings is the key to preventing students from falling through the cracks during their educational journey.
By breaking away from traditional educational molds, Edkey® Inc. reaches a more diverse student population and diversifies instruction to meet individual needs. This approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their learning style or background. Mr. Plitzuweit commits to innovation and has set a benchmark for the education industry, inspiring others to explore alternative educational models. He quotes, “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.”
Values and Work Culture
Mr. Plitzuweit carries a unique approach to education and that’s how Edkey® Inc. stands out. The culture is driven by a simple yet profound principle: “Always do what is best for students.” This foundational value is at the heart of every decision and action taken by the organization. To put this into practice, local leaders are handed autonomy, allowing them to focus on the unique needs of their specific communities.
Rather than imposing a traditional old-school management approach, Mr. Plitzuweit assumes a supportive role, empowering local leaders to connect with their communities and tailor programs accordingly. This decentralized approach ensures that the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, families, and communities.
Infusing Technology with Education
With technological advancements brimming and shining high, Mr. Plitzuweit recognizes the importance of leveraging technological advancements for educational benefit. However, he approaches this with a sense of caution, understanding the potential pitfalls of overreliance on technology. One area where technology is making a positive impact is in early detection and intervention. Artificial intelligence resources are used judiciously to assist teachers in identifying and addressing achievement gaps earlier in the learning process. This is particularly crucial in areas like literacy, where Edkey® Inc. has begun exploration with an innovative AI-powered start-up program called Edsoma Reads. Edsoma Reads is committed to instilling a quality reading culture in children while promoting critical thinking skills.
A Vision for Cohesive Change
As a visionary leader, he foresees a need for significant change in the education landscape, specifically establishing a more harmonious agreement among all educational institutions. Mr. Plitzuweit firmly believes that diversity in educational offerings is in the best interest of students and their families. It is acknowledged that many institutions have yet to fully embrace this philosophy. This lack of alignment often leaves students frustrated with limited choices, and some end up slipping through the cracks of the system. One pressing issue that’s highlighted is the problem of credit transferability. If an institution holds accreditation, adheres to State and Federal standards, and a student has already demonstrated mastery in a subject, there should be no compelling reason to make them retake the same coursework. Mr. Plitzuweit emphasizes that these challenges exemplify how educational institutions, regrettably, have not collectively prioritized the well-being and advancement of the students they are meant to serve.
Edkey® Inc. places huge importance on the outcomes achieved by its students. They gauge the success of their programs based on the progress made, valuing growth over the pursuit of perfection. This unwavering commitment is to continually prioritize the best interests of their students.
Furthermore, Mr. Plitzuweit’s strategy is that Edkey® Inc. should remain dedicated to offering educational opportunities that equip students for careers that may not even exist in the present. As the future needs of the students evolve, he pledges to adapt the strategies and approaches to effectively meet those evolving needs. This adaptability is a testament to his commitment toward student success. For future leaders, Mr. Plitzuweit offers this advice: “Figure out what you love to do and do that. It’s where true happiness lies when planning and building a business.”
It’s essential to nurture children with love and empathy and understand that every individual is not the same. In the same way, every individual deserves a chance to achieve an education and settle in the career that suits them. Through a non-conformist student’s transformation into an educational leader, Mark Plitzuweit has shifted Edkey® Inc. to redefine the educational landscape, prioritizing diversity, individual needs, and community empowerment. As the education industry continues to evolve, Mr. Plitzuweit’s vision and Edkey® Inc. remain at the forefront, ready to embrace change while staying true to its mission of doing what is best for students.
