Mark Alberstein received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University in 1975, and his Master of Arts degree in Educational Foundations from the University of Wyoming in 1977. During his graduate studies, he served as an intern in the public schools of Johnson County, Wyoming, working with students in grades one through twelve.

Upon completing his Masters degree, Alberstein returned to his hometown in Central California, and began his career in the Woodlake schools as a primary grades teacher. After 22 years of teaching 2nd and 3rd grades, he transferred to the Middle School, where he taught 7th grade language arts and journalism, and served as advisor to student government and activities.

After two years in this assignment, he was asked to take over the small choir program at the middle school. Two years later, he added the high school choir program to his schedule. Two years ago, choir became his full-time assignment in the Woodlake schools. When he began the program there were less than 100 students enrolled in choir programs in Woodlake. There are now nearly 400 choral music students enrolled in grades 5 through 12.

Mark recently retired from the Woodlake Elementary School District but continues to teach the high school choir program. He is now devoting his time to laying a foundation for the dissemination of the Educate For A Change model.

Ryan Sager received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995 from Fresno Pacific College (University). He received his teaching credential from Fresno State University. After teaching math and Science at Kerman Middle School for a few years, he followed his dream to live in the mountains and moved his family to Three Rivers, CA.

Sager was hired to teach 8th grade Science at Woodlake Valley Middle School. He was very passionate about using Hands on Minds on activities in teaching physical science concepts. Computers and Technology naturally weaved their way into his curriculum. Through submitting several successful grant proposals, the students were using LEGO robotics, Pasco science instruments and a full class set of laptops to further their science education.

During the last 10 years Sager has been teaching Industrial Arts. These include technology, computer science, and wood products. During the rebuilding of a much neglected and under-funded woodshop program, he began to re-evaluate the education system. He is in a very unique position where his students come with no prior knowledge or experience in woodworking. With the freedom to dream and design the "perfect" system he began to implement many on the concepts you find in Educate For A Change.

Ryan has recently taken a two year leave-of-absence from the Woodlake Elementary School District. He, his wife (also a Woodlake teacher), and two sons are going to India for two years, where they will both teach.