#United States #Educational Technology #Alameda, California #Collaborative Classroom #Chris Janzen

Collaborative Classroom Appoints Chris Janzen as Chief Product Officer

Collaborative Classroom has officially announced the appointment of Chris Janzen as its new Chief Product Officer (CPO). Janzen, recognized for his extensive background in educational technology and digital transformation, brings a wealth of expertise aimed at scaling learning platforms and creating impactful solutions for educators and students alike.

Leading the Charge in Product Strategy and Innovation

In his new capacity, Janzen will be at the forefront of shaping the vision and execution of Collaborative Classroom's instructional programs. His leadership is expected to elevate the organization’s mission to provide research-driven, teacher-centered literacy programs. Janzen will guide cross-functional teams that encompass product development, design, and technology, ensuring that the organization's portfolio of evidence-based, classroom-tested programs evolves to meet the ongoing needs of educators.

Kelly Stuart, President and CEO of Collaborative Classroom, expressed enthusiasm for Janzen's leadership, stating, "Collaborative Classroom has been pivotal in literacy education, developing innovative programs that integrate evidence-based instruction with a profound understanding of child learning. Our core curriculum has been notably reviewed by The Reading League, and we remain devoted to continuous improvement. Under Chris's guidance, we will enhance our legacy, empowering teachers to support their students in becoming proficient readers, writers, and thinkers."

A Stellar Background in Educational Technology

Before joining Collaborative Classroom, Janzen served as Vice President of Product Design at McGraw Hill. There, he played an integral role in refocusing the company’s strategy from traditional print products to a digital-first approach. His career also includes significant positions at ECMC Group and Capella Education Company, where he adeptly transitioned classroom-tested educational experiences into scalable digital formats. At ECMC, he revolutionized workforce training by devising a blended learning model enriched with virtual reality and mobile technology for enhancing both in-person instruction and field-skilling.

"Chris's profound knowledge of product innovation and digital transformation positions him optimally to lead the next chapter of Collaborative Classroom's evolution," Kelly Stuart added. "We are broadening our impact and discovering innovative ways to support educators with digital tools and curricula, ultimately creating diverse learning pathways for children. Chris's direction will be essential in developing solutions rooted in evidence and finely tuned to the needs of educators and learners."

The Vision of Chris Janzen

Janzen is well-regarded for his proficiency in aligning product and technology teams, promoting collaboration across various departments, and crafting solutions that are practical for real-world classroom environments. His dedication to evidence-based and classroom-tested instructional design aligns seamlessly with Collaborative Classroom’s objective of empowering both teachers and students through effective learning solutions.

Expressing his excitement about joining the team, Janzen stated, "The time is ripe for evidence-based programs to significantly enhance student success. Collaborative Classroom's commitment to teacher-driven, research-backed practices resonates with my passion for advancing educational initiatives through technology. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with Kelly Stuart and the leadership team to continue fostering innovative, impactful solutions for classrooms."

Janzen holds a Master of Science in Instructional Design from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from St. Mary's University. Further enhancing his credentials, he possesses certifications in Pragmatic Marketing and Executive Leadership.

Looking Ahead

As Collaborative Classroom continues to evolve, Janzen's expertise in educational technology will be crucial in developing new methodologies that cater to the changing landscape of education. Awareness of these changes is paramount as Collaborative Classroom meets the demands of modern educators and the students they serve.

For more details on Collaborative Classroom and its evidence-based educational approach, visit collaborativeclassroom.org.