Josh Schachter (CommunityShare)
Overview
Josh Schachter is an esteemed educator, visual storyteller, and social ecologist, prominently known for founding CommunityShare. CommunityShare is a unique nonprofit initiative that connects teachers and students with local community resources to foster real-world learning experiences. Through a combination of Josh's passion for visual storytelling and his commitment to education, CommunityShare has become a vital platform for creating community-engaged learning that enriches students' educational journeys with hands-on, applicable knowledge. With over 25 years of experience, Schachter has pioneered numerous community-based media projects that have made significant impacts across different regions, including in contexts like New Delhi and Nigeria.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Josh Schachter and the CommunityShare platform have continued to evolve, driving educational innovation and expanding their impact:
- 2024: Josh Schachter appeared on the "Getting Smart Podcast," discussing CommunityShare's expansion to multiple states and emphasizing the merging of storytelling and community-based learning to address local challenges like public engagement and educational disconnection.
- 2023: Research indicated that CommunityShare projects reached over 5,000 students in Las Cruces Public Schools, New Mexico, supporting 240 teachers and engaging 160 community partners. The initiative reportedly boosted student engagement and developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills.
- 2022: The platform continued to grow its network, facilitating numerous projects that connected community members with schools, allowing students to embark on real-world projects and enhancing their educational experience outside traditional classroom settings.
- Throughout the recent years, CommunityShare has been recognized for its role in democratizing access to knowledge and community resources by matching educational projects with local expertise and talent. This has helped mitigate educational inequalities, particularly benefiting low-income and marginalized students.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josh Schachter |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Educator, Visual Storyteller, Social Ecologist |
| Known For | Founder of CommunityShare |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Education | Master's in Environmental Management from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies |
Early Life and Education
Josh Schachter's interest in real-world learning and environmental storytelling began early in life. His educational philosophy was significantly shaped during his undergraduate studies when he engaged in field research on turtles, which sparked his passion for ecosystem management. After completing his undergraduate studies, Josh advanced his education by earning a master's degree in Environmental Management from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. His time at Yale was pivotal, as he delved into the role of youth-produced media in fostering personal and community transformation. Throughout his academic journey, Schachter fostered a vision of integrating multimedia storytelling with educational practices to empower youth, directing his efforts towards community and socially-responsible initiatives.
Career and Notable Achievements
Josh Schachter's professional journey is highlighted by his tireless efforts to bridge education with community engagement:
- Early in his career, Josh co-founded VOICES Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering low-income youth as journalists to chronicle their stories and the stories of their communities in Tucson.
- He co-founded the "Finding Voice" program in collaboration with ELL teacher Julie Kasper, aiming to develop literacy and multimedia skills among refugee and immigrant students, enriching their critical thinking and civic leadership capacities.
- Over two decades, Josh has facilitated numerous community-based media projects globally, educating youth and fostering social changes through visual media in diverse settings from the United States to India and Nigeria.
- His photographs, which range from urban revitalization topics to food security, have been featured in prestigious publications like the New York Times.
- In 2014, Josh founded CommunityShare, revolutionizing how communities and schools collaborate by building a "human library" that connects educational curricula with real-world expertise and opportunities.
Current Work and Impact
Josh Schachter continues his work as the founder and director of CommunityShare, tirelessly working to expand its model and impact. CommunityShare functions as a platform that links students and educators to community resources, fostering mutually beneficial relationships and creating impactful, real-world educational experiences. The initiative has facilitated improved engagement in education, notably in areas with high dropout rates and educational disconnection. By building these community bridges, Schachter seeks to ensure that students have equitable access to a broad network of knowledge and resources, which in turn can inspire career paths and personal growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Josh Schachter's work is a testament to the power of integrating community involvement into educational frameworks. His initiatives, particularly CommunityShare, are not only closing educational gaps but also creating a model for future learning environments where education transcends traditional boundaries. With his continued focus on expanding CommunityShare's reach and capabilities, Schachter is set to leave an enduring legacy in educational innovation and community development, promising to inspire other areas and educational systems to adopt similar integrative models.