Carrie Ferguson is a School Leader & Innovation Partner in the K–8 space who supports educators and schools in designing relationship-driven, interest-centered learning environments. Her work focuses on translating Big Picture Learning principles into clear, developmentally grounded practices, with particular attention to advisory, authentic assessment, and coherence across grade spans.

Carrie began her career teaching in K–8 settings, with most of her classroom experience at the middle school level. She later served as principal of SMASH, where she deepened her commitment to student-centered design, strong advisory structures, and learning rooted in real-world relevance. Her professional path has included teaching, school leadership, and systems-level coaching, giving her a practical, classroom-informed lens when supporting educators and school communities.

Carrie is especially interested in assessment as a tool for reflection, storytelling, and growth rather than compliance. She is drawn to work that centers trust, curiosity, and dignity for both students and adults, and she is committed to empowering young people through meaningful, relationship-based learning.

Carrie lives in Portland, Oregon with her daughter, two dogs, and a cat. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time in nature and crocheting as a way to slow down and recharge.