May is teacher appreciation month and so many who are currently teachers or began as teachers are influencing and improving all aspects of society here and around the world. At GlobalMindED this June, we will have many current teachers sharing their insights and many aspiring teachers who will see themselves in who they can become. We also hope to see those retiring soon make a commitment to give back, potentially choosing teaching as the most meaningful way to share a life of lived work experiences with the next generation. 

AARP, one of GlobalMindED’s sponsors, proves every day through their members that retirement can be the most rewarding part of life. Our partners at PEBC- Public Education Business Coalition—whom we were delighted to be with at their event this week, work across the country to train teachers to make a difference and support them on their journey of professional development, once launched. 

Nira Mayorchik Sheleg is a cross-disciplinary teacher, innovator and inclusive global leader whom we are proud to feature today.  Congratulations to all teachers for being in what is arguably the most important job in the world. We appreciate you today, this month and always.  

Navigating the Intersection of Teaching, Technology, and Advocacy to Transform Pathways - Meet Nira Mayorchik Sheleg

What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?

My path to where I am today was shaped by a series of key moments that bridged my deep interests in education and technology, leading to the founding of Wizer.me.

Chess Game Insight:

The journey began with a seemingly simple yet profound experience during a chess game with a young girl. Her inquisitive engagement and creative problem-solving starkly contrasted with the disengagement I noticed in many older students I tutored. This encounter awakened me to the potential of interactive and student-centered learning methods, which could harness a child’s natural curiosity rather than stifling it.

Teaching Challenges:

As I ventured into classroom teaching, I faced personal challenges that underscored my limitations in traditional educational roles. This experience deepened my respect for educators and highlighted the immense pressures they face. It reinforced my belief that effective educational tools must not only enhance student learning but also support teachers in their daily tasks.

Technological Epiphany:

While pursuing computer science, I had an epiphany about the powerful synergy between technological innovation and educational needs. My academic and practical experiences at the Technion were instrumental in this regard, helping me to envision how technology could transform traditional education.

Founding Wizer.me:

These insights and experiences coalesced into the decision to found Wizer.me. I was driven by a desire to create a platform that would make education more accessible, engaging, and effective. The focus was on developing tools that could adapt to diverse learning styles and provide teachers with intuitive resources to facilitate better teaching outcomes.

Global Reach:

The real test of our efforts came as Wizer.me began to gain traction. Reaching over 10 million users worldwide through mostly word-of-mouth endorsements validated our approach and highlighted the universal demand for innovative educational solutions.

Where does your passion to serve come from?

My passion for transforming education and advocating for both teachers and students stems from a blend of personal experiences and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education.

Early Educational Struggles:

Growing up with ADHD, I faced significant challenges in traditional learning environments. My struggles with standard worksheets and conventional teaching methods not only affected my academic performance but also my self-esteem. These early experiences instilled in me a profound understanding of the frustrations that can accompany traditional education methods, especially for those who do not fit the typical learning mold.

Insights from Teaching:

After my service in the army, I stepped into the world of education as a tutor and briefly as a classroom teacher. These roles highlighted the critical gaps in educational support and resources. Seeing firsthand the difficulties teachers face and the disengagement of students drove home the need for more supportive and inclusive educational tools. My attempts at classroom teaching particularly underscored my limitations and deepened my respect for the dedication and creativity of educators, sparking a desire to support them more effectively.

Research and Realization:

During my academic journey, my research into teacher cognition provided significant insights into how educators think, plan, and react within the classroom setting. Understanding the cognitive processes of teachers helped me appreciate the complexity of their role and the potential impact of tools that are intuitively aligned with their thought processes and workflows.

Commitment to Inclusivity:

The pivotal chess game with the young girl, as well as my own experiences as a student and teacher, have strongly influenced my commitment to inclusivity in education. These experiences reinforced my belief that education should be adaptable to accommodate all types of learners, promoting not only academic success but also personal growth and self-confidence.

Global Perspective:

Recent events have intensified my interest in the political role of education in maintaining societal stability and combating the divisive impact of social media. These considerations have led me to explore how we can foster critical thinking, promote dialogue, and enhance understanding across diverse communities. So we can harness the unifying power of education to address and mitigate societal conflicts. 

Each of these elements contributes to my passion for improving education through Wizer.me. By developing tools that support teachers and engage students, I aim to make learning a more inclusive, effective, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?

GlobalMindED is an ideal partner for Wizer.me, offering crucial support as we aim to transform education. Here’s how this collaboration can further our goals:



Expanding Networks:

Access to GlobalMindED’s network of educational leaders and innovators can enhance our learning and collaboration, allowing us to refine our strategies and tools.

Leveraging Learning Opportunities:

Participating in GlobalMindED’s events provides insights into the latest educational trends and best practices, which can directly influence the development of our tools.



Advocacy for Educational Change: 

GlobalMindED’s emphasis on equity and access aligns with my efforts to transform the educational landscape for broader societal impact and can can help spotlight efforts to use education as a means to combat the divisive impacts of social media and foster societal cohesion.