“We've consistently found that the reason Modern Classrooms makes a real impact on teacher sustainability, that educators will say, ‘I am now happier than I've ever been’, is very simple, they actually feel like they can do the job effectively in that 45, 60, 90-minute block with those students. And then everything else that is frustrating is less frustrating because you're seeing the joy of actually seeing students learn, move the needle for them, and building strong relationships.” - Kareem Farah, CEO and Co-Founder of the Modern Classrooms Project
Modern Classrooms Project Mission
Modern Classrooms Project uses a research-backed instructional model to respond to every student’s needs - no matter what or where you teach. Through blended instruction, self-paced structures, and mastery-based learning, they have developed a classroom structure that helps every student learn.
Combatting K-12 Challenges
The Modern Classrooms Project combats challenges, including a one-size-fits-all approach, front-of-the-classroom teaching, and chronic absenteeism.
Through their model, students move through the material at their own pace to fit their level of understanding. Instead of being forced to move ahead before they are ready or forced to stay put when ready to move forward, all students move through the curriculum in a way that aligns with their progress and understanding.
Additionally, this model creates an environment where most of the class time is spent in one-on-one and small group interactions. Through this structure, teachers can more effectively address students’ needs and build stronger relationships. This also supports community building in the classroom as students are given opportunities to interact with and support each other.
Chronic absenteeism is a continually rising issue in K-12 education that the Modern Classrooms Project works to combat. In a traditional classroom setting, missing one day of school can set a path to falling behind and lead to students not wanting to return to the classroom or engage with the material, as they struggle to catch up. But with the Modern Classrooms Project, students can more easily catch up if they miss a lesson or simply need more time to understand the material.
Decreasing Teacher Burnout
The Modern Classrooms Project naturally reduces teacher burnout by increasing teachers' satisfaction and pride in their work. Through their structure, teachers can use their time more effectively, build stronger relationships, and address student needs without worrying about students falling behind or feeling bored.
In conversations with Kareem, he shared that “Less than 50%, or in some cases, a quarter of the teachers we survey, will say, ‘I find the job sustainable.’ And then once we've trained them, and once they've actually gotten into classrooms, those data points skyrocket in ways that I think are super impressive and disruptive, where three-fourths of the teachers that we support suddenly say the job is more sustainable.”
As seen through the work of our November 2025 Honoree, Hui Couch, using the Modern Classrooms Project model has transformed her teaching and success in the classroom. In her words, “I feel more successful, more enjoyable being a teacher, and honestly, more inspired in the classroom than I ever did before.”
Increasing Student Success
Along with increasing educator success, the Modern Classrooms Project also improves outcomes for students. In Kareem's words, “When you create a structure where students are actually held to the expectation that they must master the skill, and then say, as a result of that, we will give you the time you need to, you ultimately get better outcomes.”
In a classroom where students speak nine different home languages, the Modern Classrooms Project model allows Hui Couch to ensure every student feels supported and challenged, no matter their pace or language level. She is given the flexibility to meet her students where they are, have one-on-one time with students who need more support, and allow those who are ready to move ahead to do so. As students work at their own pace, they take greater pride in their work and feel excited about learning.
Allowing students to take control of their learning provides them with a responsibility that excites them, as they feel more invested in the outcomes. Hui shares that seeing students take ownership of their learning is a huge reward for her as an educator as they grow in their confidence. As a student of Hui Couch’s said, “I love the self-paced learning in Ms. Couch's class. I also enjoy the group work to do practice problems, because we help each other. It makes me feel more confident.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the Modern Classrooms Project, you can visit their website at https://www.modernclassrooms.org/ or listen to their featured episode on Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast.
