Lindsay Wesner
As the world’s first “edumagineer”, Lindsay lives to bring to life a vision of inclusive, relevant, impactful education that serves the core needs of both teachers and students. As a former high school teacher, Lindsay identified teachers as the tipping point of the education system in need of much reform. At the age of 33, Lindsay founded Teach.Learn.Innovate (now known as PurpleZA) – a bold entreupeneurial step, taken with purpose; to scale her influence and impact to reach classrooms and schools nationwide.
Deeply committed to the professional development of educators, Lindsay possesses a deep understanding of the diverse needs of learners. Her expertise in curriculum development and instructional design enables her to employ research-based methodologies to craft well-structured and meaningful learning experiences that foster deep understanding and critical thinking. In her edupreneur journey, Lindsay has to date empowered over 20,000 South African educators in more than 600 schools to transform the culture of teaching and learning in their classrooms and beyond.
PurpleZA offers schools an ingenious solution to ‘one-size-fits-all’ teacher professional development in the form of their innovative, gamified Professional Development platform in which 3400+ South African teachers are currently enrolled. This innovative approach has not only transformed teaching and learning experiences but also set a benchmark for excellence in the field of education.
Lindsay’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements as she actively works towards social justice and fosters a collaborative educational community. Through #ZAedu, Lindsay has built a vibrant community of South African educators who are passionate about professional growth. She actively engages in addressing racial inequality in education. Lindsay’s dedication to creating a sense of belonging in the classroom and advocating for equity sets her apart as an inspirational figure and thought leader transforming the landscape of education in South Afica and beyond.