About

Rooted in Innovation

Evergreen Education exists to bridge the gap between the “move fast and break things” world of AI and the “every kid matters” world of education. We believe this moment in history necessitates more than pedagogical or technological expertise alone, and as such, the Evergreen team is composed of individuals who are world class educators that are also tech leaders/builders. Our team is more than thought leaders, however; Evergreen contributors have sat in every seat from the elementary classroom to the state-level offices and also put in the work of implementing slow, grinding system changes.  We have also seen firsthand how schools writ large responded to the previous disruptors–cell phones, social media, Common Core, and COVID–and have decided to put our experiences and lessons learned to use, helping shepherd and guide schools through the biggest disruption yet. 

We believe AI is here and it’s not going anywhere; as such, we see an urgent obligation—and exciting opportunity—to equip kids with the tools to harness AI safely, effectively, and to our collective benefit. (Note: We don’t proclaim ourselves experts in AI, because they don’t exist yet; however, we are avid tinkerers, beta testers, and vanguards who love to ask “What does this mean for students and families, teachers and staffs?”

With each individual bringing a teaching background into their AI work, we ensure that every solution we develop is rooted in evidence-based practices, empowering educators with the tools they need to inspire and engage their students effectively. From cutting-edge technology to research-backed strategies, we strive to create a seamless bridge between classroom learning and real-world application.

Want to join in and lend your expertise? Send us a note at hello [at] evergreened.ai

Our Contributors

Dr. Diane Lauer

As the Chief Academic Officer in the St. Vrain Valley School District, Diane directs the academic support for 33,000 students and professional learning for 4,500+ personnel. A nonstop innovator, she was one of the first to adopt AI-informed pedagogy in Spring 2022 and push against broad bans of tools like ChatGPT. Diane first taught middle school social studies.

Alli McKee

Alli is an entrepreneur who built Stick.ai, an AI startup, while in grad school at Stanford. After her company was acquired by Google, she became the Head of Product Development at Google Slides, where she now oversees the implementation of AI across that product. Alli previously taught Entrepreneurial Leadership at the and worked at Bain Consulting.

Mike Yates

Mike is a Senior Product Designer at Teach for America’s The Reinvention Lab where he works on AI products that usher in the future of learning in fresh, new, and innovative ways. Previously a TNTP Fellow and Social Studies teacher, he now runs the Schoolish Podcast/Newsletter where he pokes and prods ‘the system’ to motivate for change.

Dr. Samira Rajabi

Samira has been leading the adoption of technology at the CU-Boulder’s College of Media, Communication and Information since serving as the first Director of Technology Influenced Pedagogy. As a faculty member teaching in the Spring of 2023, Samira transformed her pedagogy to incorporate Al tools and support students' use of them.

Dr. Derek Rouch

A SpEd paraeducator-turned-teacher-turned-CTO, Derek is passionate about technology's potential to impact learning. He is proud to serve as Technology Director for Nuview Union School District in Southern California, and enjoys moonlighting as the Chief Technology Officer for the California Association for the Gifted, and adjunct faculty for Purdue University Global's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Vera Cubero

Vera is the Western Region Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant at NCDPI, leading generative AI implementation in K12 education with a focus on AI literacy. A veteran educator, she designs frameworks and trains leaders on AI in education. Vera led NC's AI steering committee, producing PK-13 school guidelines. She serves on regional AI education commissions, driving innovation in educational technology.

Ryan Findley

A Product+Learning guru, Ryan has served as C-Suite executive of multiple education companies, including one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative in the World.” Speaking at TEDx in 2019, Ryan warned of technology-driven changes coming to education and he’s been immersed in the role of AI in education ever since. Ryan is a former Leadership teacher.