The Power of Purpose-Driven Facilitation
How rigorous training, continuous feedback, and a passion for lasting change equip the UnboundEd Facilitator Network to shape the future of education
The passion and expertise of UnboundEd’s facilitators are the beating heart of UnboundEd’s mission, enabling our organization to bring GLEAM® instruction to educators everywhere. In their signature purple shirts, UnboundEd facilitators travel across the country to orchestrate powerful learning experiences for thousands of schools and districts.
Jason Epting’s Journey: From Principal to Leading the Charge for Transformative Education
Jason Epting’s journey with UnboundEd began in his previous role; “Participating in UnboundEd training as a principal was one of the best decisions I made,” he says. “It made me a better leader, not just for my school, but for the broader educational community.”
UnboundEd’s training so resonated with Jason that he became a facilitator himself. “Donning the purple shirt and becoming a ‘purple people leader’ was life-changing,” Jason reflects.
Now, as Director of Facilitator Engagement, Jason focuses on building a strong, collaborative network of facilitators who share a commitment to high-quality, standards-based, grade-level instruction. “I’m still passionate about passing that culture on. It’s about giving educators the tools to make lasting change, not just in their classrooms but in the communities they serve.”
Jason’s journey is a testament to how UnboundEd’s network of facilitators — supported by rigorous training, continuous feedback, and a shared vision — becomes a force for meaningful change across education.
Participating in UnboundEd training as a principal was one of the best decisions I made,” he says. “It made me a better leader, not just for my school, but for the broader educational community.
A Transformation in Every Classroom: How Rigorous Training Drives Results
Becoming a facilitator is “no walk in the park,” Epting explains. The hiring process focuses on identifying mission-driven individuals who are passionate about creating change in education. Once hired, facilitators receive intensive training in GLEAM instruction, ensuring they understand the core content and tools they’ll use in the field.
This combination of deep content knowledge and practical experience equips facilitators to deliver impactful learning experiences. Once in the field, facilitators continue to receive support through feedback cycles, 360-degree reviews, and peer observations. “Our facilitators are the ambassadors of UnboundEd,” says Epting. “They don’t just teach — they transform.”
Feedback: The Secret Ingredient to Continuous Impact
At the core of the Facilitators Network’s success is its commitment to feedback. “We take data very seriously,” Epting explains. “We go through every comment from participants and facilitators, no matter how small, and use it to refine our programs.” This “feedback-on-feedback” protocol creates a cycle of continuous improvement, ensuring that each year builds on last year’s learnings.
“Because we’ve built a warm, trusting community, facilitators feel comfortable telling us what’s working and what isn’t,” says Epting. In turn, our leadership incorporates this feedback into new iterations of training and curriculum, fostering an environment of shared ownership. As the facilitators’ needs and insights are woven into the program, it results in more effective professional learning. The end result is a network that’s constantly adapting and improving, ensuring that every educator in the system can grow, lead, and make a measurable difference in the lives of students.
The Future of the Purple People Leaders
Looking to the future, Jason envisions a world where UnboundEd facilitators are present in schools across the country and beyond. “We want purple people leaders in every school, working side by side with educators and school leaders to create environments where all students can thrive.”
As UnboundEd enters its next decade, the Facilitators Network will continue to be the catalyst for change, driving the movement toward equitable, high-quality education. “Through coaching, improvement happens,” Jason concludes. “Our vision is to expand that reach, ensuring the lasting impact of every educator we touch.”
We want purple people leaders in every school, working side by side with educators and school leaders to create environments where all students can thrive.
