Soar Learning emerged from the frustrations of a former “struggling student” and has since flourished into a globally recognized, best-selling curriculum. Founded by Brian Winter and Susan Kruger Winter, both seasoned educators, SOAR Learning is rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by students and teachers alike.
Susan and Brian, the co-founders of SOAR® Learning, bring a wealth of experience from their years in the classroom. They personally experienced the pressures of overloaded curriculums, limited teaching time, and the constant quest to motivate students. They realized that empowering students with effective study skills was a game-changer. Teaching students how to manage assignments, deadlines, and study time became a cornerstone of their educational approach.
Since 1996, Brian and Susan have been dedicated to teaching study skills. Their journey began in college, where Susan’s personal success with study skills led her to tutor fellow students. Brian was integral to this process, contributing ideas and solutions. Upon graduation, they jointly taught study skills classes, nurturing SOAR Learning into an internationally acclaimed curriculum. This extensive background underscores the expertise behind SOAR Learning, making it a trusted resource for educators and students seeking effective learning strategies.
The evolution of SOAR Learning naturally extended into social-emotional learning (SEL). Supporting student success inherently involves nurturing emotional intelligence. Over two decades, Susan and Brian have authored numerous articles and videos on SEL, recognizing its crucial role in academic achievement. Their insights into SEL have further enriched the SOAR Learning curriculum, addressing the holistic needs of learners. As educators and parents, their commitment to fostering both academic and emotional growth is deeply embedded in the SOAR Learning philosophy.
Driven by their vocations as educators, Brian and Susan are committed to ensuring every student masters how to learn. As former classroom teachers, they are equally dedicated to supporting their fellow educators. And as parents of two children with ADHD & LD, they strive to provide valuable resources for families navigating the complexities of “special needs.” This multifaceted perspective informs every aspect of SOAR Learning, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness for a diverse range of learners and educators.
Our Mission at SOAR Learning
Our mission is to inject joy into education by designing frameworks and curricula that celebrate each student’s unique strengths, talents, and creative potential. We aim to boost student confidence and foster teacher creativity, aspiring to be a central and positive force in the educational landscape. SOAR Learning is built upon the belief that learning should be an engaging and empowering experience for everyone involved.
SOAR Learning’s Six Core Values
- Simplicity through Efficient Systems: We prioritize streamlined, effective approaches, ensuring that learning processes are as straightforward and efficient as possible. This value reflects the practical, user-friendly nature of SOAR Learning resources.
- Relevance: We ensure that all learning activities are meaningful and applicable to students’ lives, connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences. This focus on relevance enhances student engagement and motivation within the SOAR Learning framework.
- Joy! We believe in finding pleasure and satisfaction in both life and learning. SOAR Learning aims to make education an enjoyable and positive experience, fostering a desire to learn and grow.
- Originality & Creativity: We encourage individuals to embrace their true selves and express their natural talents. SOAR Learning champions creativity and individuality, allowing both students and educators to thrive.
- Personal Responsibility: We emphasize accountability, integrity, and initiative. SOAR Learning promotes the development of responsible, engaged learners who take ownership of their education.
- Excellence: We are committed to pursuing our best work, always striving for high standards without demanding unattainable perfection. SOAR Learning encourages a growth mindset focused on continuous improvement and achievement.
Discover more about the personal journeys and professional expertise of Susan Kruger Winter, M.Ed, and Brian Winter, M.Ed, on our “About Us” pages. Explore how SOAR Learning can transform the educational experience for students and educators alike, fostering a love for learning and unlocking academic potential.
