Our Inspiration

James Heckman

James Heckman is an expert in the economics of human development, and is well-known for his position on education equity as a means to promote productivity and economic efficiency. As he notes, his focus is on "the economic value of equalizing education opportunities and achievement in order to identify the most effective way to increase the productivity ... we need a capable and productive workforce that will compete successfully in the global economy."  

Heckman's most notable work is highlighting the need to invest in early childhood development, and offers the following arguments for this investment: 

  • Investments in early childhood education will reduce deficits and strengthen the economy. 

  • Early childhood development can drive success in school and in life.  

  • Investing in early childhood education for at-risk children can be an effective strategy for reducing social costs.  

  • Investing in early childhood education can be a cost-effective strategy for economic growth. 

According to Heckman, the most valuable age to invest in is birth to age five, as science has shown us that these are the foundational years to the development of a child. What the child learns, hears, sees, processes, and experiences in this time is formative to the development of cognitive and character skills required for success throughout life - school, family, health, jobs, and community engagement.  

Montessori and Reggio Emilia

These are two educational philosophies and pedagogies that have inspired the STEPi manifesto. Both of these philosophies focus on early childhood education being child-centered and holistic. Children have autonomy in their learning and are encouraged to learn through movement and sensory activities. This means the classroom layout has no desks but rather areas of the room that represent different parts of real world. Montessori is slightly more structured in that there is a basic curriculum centered around math, language, practical skills, geography, cultural studies, science and music. Reggio Emilia has no curriculum but rather lessons evolve and are guided by the responses and interests of the student. In both settings, written documentation and portfolio building are used as "grades."

Paulo Freire

Paulo Freire was a Brazilian educator and philosopher who spent his career advocating critical pedagogy. With critical pedagogy, students are encouraged to question and critique oppressive systems of power in an effort to develop critical consciousness. This way of thinking with critical consciousness lends to a perspective that is inquisitive and allows for the development of a growth mindset.

Becky Bailey

Dr. Becky Baily is a well-known educator, author, and internationally recognized as an expert in early childhood development and psychology. She has authored 21 books that focus on discipline and guidance. One of Dr. Bailey's most impactful messages has been around social emotional learning and "conscious discipline." Her impact in STEPi can be found in the booklet “Parenting with Love”; how do we mindfully and intentionally parent our children with love, encouragement, compassion, communication, and other positive characteristics so they grow to be self-directed, dedicated, happy adults?

Martin Seligman

Focusing his work in Positive Pyschology (coined by Abraham Maslow), Martin Seligman has developed a systematic theory to help explain why happy people are happy. This theory has been inspired by virtue ethics of Confucius, Mencius, and Aristotle. According to Seligman, there are three dimensions to Positive Psychology - The Pleasant Life, The Good Life, The Meaningful Life. Similar to other psychologists who have impacted the STEPi mindset, Seligman believes that developing character strengths is important to deeper personal growth for adulthood.

Angela Duckworth

Among many accolades that Angela Duckworth holds, she is well-known for her psychology research on grit, a character strength she defines as a combination of passion and perseverance. At STEPi, we understand the importance of developing character strengths in children. The earlier these characteristics are tapped into the more confident and capable young kids will feel as they grow into grounded and self-directed adults.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, also known as the Father of the Nation in South Africa, is most known for his activism and fight for social justice during the oppressive apartheid regime of his home country. In 1964, Mandela was charged with conspiring to overthrow his government with violence and was sentenced to prison. However, during his imprisonment, his reputation grew and the fight against social inequality continued in his honor. He was eventually released after 27 years; even while behind bars, he stayed true to his beliefs. Mandela continued his fight against oppression and apartheid through peaceful means and found his way into the political space. In 1991, he was elected the first black president of South Africa.  

 

In 1993, Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize alongside President Frederik Willem de Klerk, the man who had released him from prison. Their truce, and Mandela's strength in forgiveness, were recognized with this prestigious award. Their recognition was "for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa."  

 

Mandela's way of life leaves a profound impact on the STEPi vision. A country thrives because its people are educated. This means all people regardless of skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or developmental ability. Mandela's peaceful resilience serves as a model for developing a growth mindset, empowering kids from a young age to believe in their capacities and strengths, and instilling virtues that are carried through into adulthood. 

Desmond Tutu

Anglican cleric of South Africa, Desmond Tutu was another strong opponent to the apartheid system of South Africa. In the 1980s, Tutu grew in popularity, nationally and internationally, for his fight for social equality for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Although Tutu sought a career in education, his path eventually led him to be one of the greatest spiritual leaders and activists in South Africa. Along with Nelson Mandela, Tutu sets the example of advocating for equality around the globe. It's a basic human right to have equal and quality access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and economic freedoms for everyone regardless of any discriminatory factor.

STEPi is inspired by a few people who we find are influential in education, early childhood development, psychology and human development.