Meet Michaela Rose Claussen of well+aligned

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Rose Claussen.

Michaela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Phoenix in 2009 to join Teach for America, a program that places teachers in areas of need around the country to expand opportunities for children. For me, that was teaching middle school in Glendale while working on my M.Ed at ASU. I had never been to Arizona (I grew up and completed undergrad in Nebraska), and I thought I would be in the valley for a quick two years and then move on. Well, I fell in love with both teaching and the desert, so long story short, I’ve been here ever since!

After working as a classroom teacher for several years, I was completely burned out. Teaching is such a joy, but it is honestly one of the most difficult jobs you can take on-especially emotionally. I thought I was “done,” so I did a stint in the start-up world, thinking that more money and a relaxed schedule would make me happy. Surprise, surprise-it did not. I wanted to re-enter public education, but in a way where I could try to find more harmony in my day-to-day, so I started working for the Center for Student Achievement, providing training and coaching for schools around the state.

It was a masterclass in how diverse and vibrant schools in Arizona really are and how collective efficacy and intentional systems can lead to positive student and community outcomes. I also realized that I enjoy working with adults and creating spaces where educators feel seen, heard, and validated. After a few years, I took a role as a director of teaching and learning at an elementary school in South Phoenix, where I was able to dig into redefining what instruction looked like for K-8 students and help build teacher capacity.

Everything was going great until… the pandemic. Reimagining schooling overnight for a Title I school in which students lacked access to internet, food, and sometimes safety was the most challenging task I’ve ever faced with a team. I also realized that my role had shifted into providing many social-emotional learning support for adults. I needed more tools, so I decided in April 2020 to enroll in courses with Breathe For Change, which included certifications to become a trauma-informed yoga instructor and a social-emotional learning facilitator. While designing my capstone project, well+aligned was born.

In 2022, I officially became a full-time entrepreneur, and I’ve been running well+aligned ever since! I provide customized professional development, training, and coaching to schools in Arizona and nationally. I have been so fortunate to partner with schools and organizations that care about educator wellness and allow me to create adult learning spaces that incorporate wellness and social-emotional learning and help participants feel empowered as educators.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel like it’s been more of a windy road… haha… but I guess that’s part of the adventure!

Like most other industries, K-12 education is really a relationship field, so at first, it was tricky to get my name and the well+aligned name out to school leaders, districts, and networks who would want to bring me on. I’ve found that presenting at conferences and keeping up with former colleagues helps a lot. Also, I’ve learned to be very bold about introducing myself and what I do anytime I meet a fellow educator-whether it’s at an event or just the coffee shop.

Additionally, I’ve faced some challenges in taking a strong stance in favor of emphasizing social-emotional learning in schools, which hasn’t always matched the opinion of some state-elected officials. Thankfully, I have an amazing network of education experts to call upon and rally with in doing some advocacy among legislators, families, and school communities.

I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about well+aligned?
well+aligned is a boutique consulting firm for K-12 schools and educators offering mindful and asset-based professional development and coaching.

In short, I specialize in best practices for teaching and learning, and I’m known for developing customized training and workshops that are FUN for teachers! well+aligned is also built on a training + coaching model, so I offer individual and group coaching at school sites both in person and virtually. I’m most proud when I receive comments and feedback from session participants who express feeling validated, empowered, and re-energized after working with me.

In addition to offering services and support for general academic improvement from the teaching side and educator wellness, I often help leaders gather and analyze data and act as thought partners in their strategic planning. Finally, I’m a literacy specialist, so I give a lot of large group training on the science of reading, structure literacy, and reading development that is loaded with hands-on activities for teachers to take right back to the classroom.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
For me, risk-taking is a necessary part of growth. I’m a believer in gut feelings, and I am lucky not to be afraid to try something new, even if that means starting a business.

From the outside looking in, being self-employed can seem risky, but I think that when your passions line up with your skills, success will follow. You just have to be ready and willing to say yes when the time comes!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wearewellaligned.com
• Instagram: @wearewellaligned
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelaclaussen/