A Letter From Lacey Robinson, UnboundEd President and CEO
To our Partners, Friends, and Colleagues,
As I reflect on UnboundEd’s first ten years, I am filled with pride for all that we’ve accomplished so far, gratitude for the brilliant, dedicated people committed to this work, and an unshakeable belief in the profound impact that still lies ahead. A decade ago, UnboundEd was founded for one solemn purpose: equipping educators to meet the needs of every single student. That lofty vision has grown into a movement steadily reshaping the landscape of teaching and learning.
My journey into education began long before UnboundEd. Teaching was not just a profession for me; it was an instinct, a calling that took root early in my life. I have always been captivated by the transformative power of learning — the moment when someone moves from not knowing to knowing. That spark, that shift, is what has driven me throughout my career.
Teaching was not just a profession for me; it was an instinct, a calling that took root early in my life.
But as a new teacher, I quickly realized that passion alone was not enough. Too many educators like me were left to navigate the complexities of teaching without adequate support, guidance, or professional development. That reality fueled my commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with educators and ensuring they had the resources and partnership needed to do right by their students and communities.
UnboundEd was built as that support system and catalyst. As you read the stories of our journey, I hope our dedication to engagement and belonging resonates with — and inspires — you.
There have been so many moments of pride along this journey — from creating, developing, and sharing GLEAM® instruction with educators across these United States, to watching our Boom Shakalaka tradition bring joy and unity to educators (if you know, you know), publishing our best-seller, Justice Seekers, and receiving recognition from visionary leaders who see value in our work.
What fills me with the most pride is the unwavering commitment of our team and our many partners throughout the edusphere. Their work has left an indelible mark on the field, influencing how countless educators across the country— and beyond —think about transformative instruction and impactful professional learning.
And yet, this is all just the beginning.
As we look ahead to the next ten years, UnboundEd’s vision is bold and boundless. We must leverage technology to reduce the cognitive load for educators, giving them the time and space to focus on what truly matters — teaching and learning. We must continue to create communities where educators feel seen, valued, and supported. And we must be relentless in our pursuit of reimagining what education can and should be for all students.
I believe in this work. I believe in our educators. And I believe in the power of education to change lives.
I believe in this work. I believe in our educators. And I believe in the power of education to change lives.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Whether you have been with us since the beginning or are just joining us now, know that your role in this movement is vital. Together, we will continue to be catalysts for change, ensuring that the next ten years bring even greater progress, impact, and hope.
With gratitude and determination,
Lacey Robinson
President and CEO, UnboundEd
Lacey Robinson, CEO of UnboundEd and board chair of CORE Learning, has devoted her career to empowering educators to break the predictability of student achievement outcomes. She oversees UnboundEd’s vision for how grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful — GLEAM — instruction can ensure every single student succeeds and thrives. A former teacher, principal, professional development specialist, and author of Justice Seekers, Robinson was named to Forbes 50 Over 50 list in 2023.
