Hard fun meets thoughtful coaching.

Helping teens build confidence, voice, and real-world skills through curiosity, mentorship, and meaningful connection.

Hey, I'm Robin.

I’m an educator, coach, and interdisciplinary mentor passionate about helping learners think critically, communicate clearly, and grow creatively.

With a background spanning university teaching, project-based curriculum design, and humanities coaching, I specialize in supporting teens as they explore literature, history, philosophy, and real-world applications.

This portfolio highlights my experience designing engaging learning experiences, coaching student-driven projects, and fostering the kind of curiosity, agency, and connection that align with Sora’s mission.

Why Sora?

Sora’s commitment to student-driven learning, real-world skill development, and interdisciplinary exploration resonates deeply with my philosophy as an educator.

I believe the best learning happens when students take ownership of their ideas, connect across disciplines, and are supported by mentors who trust their growth process.

Sora’s model of project-based, inquiry-driven education reflects the work I’ve spent my career building—and the future of learning I want to be part of. I’m excited to contribute my experience in humanities coaching, creative learning design, and learner-centered mentorship to help students thrive both academically and personally.

What I bring to the role.

(The nutshell version.)

A Heart for High Schoolers

With over a decade mentoring and teaching teens in diverse settings, I create relationships rooted in trust, respect, and high expectations, helping learners find their voice, navigate challenges, and stretch their thinking with confidence.

Humanities Expertise

Grounded in literature, history, philosophy, and civic studies, I help students connect big ideas across disciplines and see their relevance in the world around them. I foster critical thinking, creativity, and authentic engagement with complex topics.

Creative, Tech-Savvy Facilitation

Experienced in designing dynamic, learner-driven workshops—both virtually and in person—I use tools like Padlet, Loom, and Google Suite to create interactive experiences that support collaboration, inquiry, and creative exploration beyond traditional classroom models.

Growth-Oriented Coaching

I offer clear, actionable feedback that encourages both skill development and self-reflection. My approach focuses on celebrating growth, building resilience, and helping students revise, iterate, and strengthen their work.

A Builder's Mindset

With experience launching educational programs, online courses, and virtual summits, I thrive in environments that value innovation, iteration, and real-world learning. I’m energized by co-creating new experiences, solving challenges, and helping education evolve to meet today’s learners.

Reliable, Collaborative Energy

I'm a consistent, proactive team member who communicates clearly, listens deeply, and shows up with positivity. I believe the best learning happens when educators collaborate with humility, flexibility, and a shared commitment to student success.

What guides my work.

I believe the best coaching begins with curiosity, not control. My goal is to help learners see themselves as capable, reflective, and resourceful—whether revising an essay, working through a project block, or discovering intrinsic motivation. I aim to ask great questions, offer thoughtful feedback, and guide students toward meaningful growth, not just performance.

I care deeply about helping teens develop clarity of voice, confidence in their ideas, and ownership of their learning journey. Project-based, student-driven models resonate with me because they value not only what a learner knows, but who they are becoming.

For a deeper look at the values that shape my approach, here are two reflections that resonate with the work I do as a coach:

In this 2020 TEDx talk, I urge parents and educators to embrace the disruptive side of creativity.

In this 2021 article, I write about the importance of choice in making school a place kids want to be.

(A peek into my coaching philosophy.)

Dive into the details.

As a former university professor turned online educator, I bring 15+ years of experience mentoring teens, facilitating project-based learning, and coaching real-world skills. I’m known for building strong relationships, communicating clearly, and making learning both challenging and fun—helping students grow with confidence and curiosity.

(Or at least what can fit on two pages.)

Or click the images below to view:

Student testimonials.

Click the images below to view:

(The reason I do this.)

Coaching in action.

Munga Punga: Project-Based Learning in Action

I founded Munga Punga to help kids stay creative and curious through weekly project-based experiences. The platform combined themed challenges, asynchronous learning, and interactive video content. This sample captures my ability to design engaging learning environments that are playful, student-centered, and purpose-driven.

(Helping learners find their voice.)

Leading Tomorrow Summit: Coaching Learners Through Speaking & Storytelling

As the host and lead coach for the Leading Tomorrow Summit, I guided 26 participants through a full public speaking process—from idea generation to final performance. This example includes a before-and-after writing sample that shows how I support learners through feedback, revision, and performance with clarity and encouragement.

Feedback Examples: Meeting Students At Their Level.

As a literacy coach, I’ve worked with learners on everything from essays and speeches to creative stories and reflective journals. I've included a sample from an 8th grader, offering a glimpse into how I help young learners build clarity, refine voice, and grow more confident in their written communication. I've also included a creative writing sample from a HS senior who I helped coach, demonstrating my ability to adapt my feedback based on age and level.

person holding red pencil writing on white paper
person holding red pencil writing on white paper

My creative writing.

(I practice what I preach.)

Splendid Little Schemes by Robin StrongSplendid Little Schemes by Robin Strong
Gods of the Garden by Robin StrongGods of the Garden by Robin Strong
Scrolls of Prophecy by Robin StrongScrolls of Prophecy by Robin Strong

That's a wrap!

Thank you for taking the time to explore my work. I’d be honored to bring my experience, creativity, and care to Sora. I’ve seen what makes this educational model special—and I’d love the opportunity to help learners thrive as part of this incredible team.

© 2025 Robin Konie
TERMS | PRIVACY