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What is a Solutionary?
What is a Solutionary?
A solutionary identifies unjust or unsustainable systems and develops solutions that are healthy and just for people, animals, and the environment. They think critically, creatively, and collaboratively to design and implement meaningful change.
What is the Solutionary Framework?
What is the Solutionary Framework?
The Solutionary Framework is a multi-step approach that teaches students to think like solutionaries, from problem identification to solution implementation.
Understadning the System Iceberg Model
Understadning the System Iceberg Model
The Iceberg Model teaches us that what we see—such as a news story, behavior, or crisis—is just the "tip of the iceberg." Beneath the surface lie patterns of behavior, structures, and deeper beliefs or mindsets that shape what’s happening. When students understand these layers, they can begin to design meaningful, sustainable solutions—not just quick fixes.
Solutionary Projects in Grades K-8
Beginning in the 2023–2024 school year, we launched professional development and engaged our teachers in project design grounded in our YouthTruth student feedback data. This data revealed that students were not feeling academically challenged or engaged, and many struggled to see the connection between their classroom assignments and a greater good. Additionally, students expressed a lack of pride in the work they were producing.
In response, each grade level at Nesbit School, K–5, designed a hallmark project rooted in principles of Solutionary Teaching and Learning. These projects aim to deepen engagement, promote authentic learning, and foster a sense of purpose and pride by connecting academic work to real-world issues and solutions.
Sustainable and Climate-Ready Schools Award
Sustainable and Climate-Ready Schools Award
7th grade teachers, Katie Hunter & Jay Herington were awarded the 2025 Sustainable and Climate Ready Schools (SCRS) Challenge Standout Leader award by San Mateo County Office of Education.
Students engaged in a project called "Zero Waste" where they focused on addressing plastic pollution in the city of Belmont.
Trout in the Classroom
Trout in the Classroom
1st grade's "Trout Tails" Project incorporsted many skills, including scientific observation, data collection, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship.
Students learned about the life cycle of trout, water conservtion, and the importance of healthy ecosystems while developing their curiosity and responsibility as young scientists.
Our Staff Developer
Our Staff Developer
Cheney Munson
Cheney Munson is an educator, strategist, and curriculum designer
who partners with schools and districts to reimagine teaching and
learning at the intersection of literacy, sustainability, and project-
based learning. After eight years teaching middle school ELA, he
became a senior literacy staff developer at Columbia University,
supporting K–12 teachers across subjects including ELA, science,
and history.
He is the founder of Ursa North Ed, an education consulting
practice that helps schools and districts bring their strategic plans
and Profiles of a Learner to life through aligned systems, powerful
pedagogy, and professional learning. The Climascope Project is
one of Ursa North’s initiatives—a digital and professional learning
hub that supports teachers in integrating environmental literacy
and sustainability into existing curriculum.
In partnership with the California Environmental Literacy Initiative and Ten Strands, Cheney Munson hosts an Environmental Superheroes podcast that tells the stories of educators and students doing extraordinary things.
Check out this episode featuring Nesbit School!
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