Dara Feldman is a passionate educator, speaker, author, coach and consultant. She is committed to social justice, as well as nurturing a love of learning and the overall mental health and well-being of staff, students, and families. In her book, "The Heart of Education: Bringing Joy, Meaning and Purpose Back to Teaching and Learning" she shares timeless wisdom, practical strategies and experience, strength and hope to uplift educators. As the CEO (Chief Enthusiast Officer) of the nonprofit, Virtues Matter, Dara has the honor of creating and delivering personal, professional and organizational development around the world, inspiring individuals to live more authentic, joyful and meaningful lives; families to raise children of compassion and integrity; educators to create safe, caring and equitable learning communities; and leaders to inspire excellence and appreciation in the workplace. In addition, she is an ASCD Whole Child Faculty Member, a Restorative DC Coach and Consultant, a Shepherd University Adjunct Professor, a Rutgers Social-Emotional Learning and Character Development Facilitator, a Character.org Eleven Principles Trainer and Evaluator, a Jack Canfield Success Principles Certified Trainer, and a Virtues Project Master Facilitator. Dara began her career as an elementary educator for 16 years, before serving as an instructional technology specialist and instructional coach. In addition, she was Director of Education for The Virtues Project and Director of Curriculum Development for PowerUP. Dara was an expert consultant with the United States Department of Education’s Web-based Education Commission where she helped write The Power of The Internet for Learning. She was also co-creator of the Early Childhood Technology Literacy Project, which was nominated by Steve Jobs of Apple Computer and won the Computerworld Smithsonian Award in Education and Academia in 2000. She holds a Master of Science in Education, Media, Design, and Technology from Full Sail University, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, a National Board Certification in Early Childhood from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, and a Certificate in Restorative Practices from the International Institute for Restorative Practices. Dara was honored as Disney’s Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2005 and Maryland’s 2015 Mother of the Year. Dara is grateful to be married to her best friend and co-founder of Virtues Matter. They are blessed to have two adult children who are both passionate educators.