You’re So Fly: Jonathan Milner

Tell us a little bit about yourself and Creative Classrooms. What inspired you to create Creative Classrooms, and how has that vision evolved over time?

I wear lots of hats. I have been a high school social studies teacher for over 20 years, during which time I worked for the AP College Board, training teachers. At the end of my training workshops, teachers often asked if they could purchase my classroom resources. Since I launched my business, I have grown my customer base, expanded my products, and found new ways to reach clients. Over time, I’ve added other options like online memberships, test review packets for students, professional development, and tutoring. Today, I lead professional development across the country, send a weekly email to over 4,000 teachers, and have about 150,000 annual visitors to my website, Social Studies Lab. My success is mostly due to persistence, a supportive community, and lots of good luck.

You’ve worked with students and educators across the world. What’s one experience that has most shaped your perspective on education?

“Only connect!” is the central, iconic mantra from E. M. Forster’s 1910 novel Howards End. On the theme of connection, the Zen master, Yasutani Roshi, said, “the fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here and you are out there.” My life in education has taught me the extraordinary power of bridging divides and connecting. After the catastrophic Haitian earthquake of 2010, I started bringing work-crews of doctors, physical therapists, teachers, and high school students to Zanmi Beni, an orphanage for disabled kids in Port-au-Prince, where we ran summer camps. I also teach a civics class and lead a mindfulness club at the Street School, which is just down the hill from Flywheel. Working with local at-risk kids expands my horizons and breaks me out of my bubble just as much as working in Haiti. Like the orphans in Port-Au-Prince, my Street School students have taught me so much about resilience, hope, and determination. If you are ever feeling a touch of ennui or wondering how you could make a difference, just walk down the street with me one day at lunch, and I’ll give you a tour of Street School.

You’ve described your proudest achievement as creating an engaging, meaningful classroom. What does that look like in practice, and why is it so important to you?

Over the years, my students have taught me a lot more than I’ve taught them. Whether you are working with high-achieving college-bound students, at-risk kids, or adult learners, it takes a lot of time and practice to build a container of trust where students can express themselves, ask questions, and stretch their wings without fear of failure or ridicule.

How has being part of the Flywheel community supported your work or influenced Creative Classrooms’ growth?

I’m an extrovert who had always worked within institutions until I became a solopreneur. Being at Flywheel has given me community and productivity. I’m especially grateful to the wonderful community managers, and to our fearless leader, Peter Marsh, for all he has taught me about growing a business, and to Kristie Staton at Creative Force for helping me put those lessons to work.

What’s next for Creative Classrooms, and what impact are you hoping to make in the next few years?

I’m really proud to reach so many students and teachers around the world. Over the next couple of years, as I deepen my own Zen meditation practice, I want to develop a mindfulness curriculum for young people. My wife founded and owns Camino Bakery, and I hope she will allow me to continue going there every day for free coffee and treats!