Backyard Schools (BYS) launched in Summer 2020 to support individuals, communities, and organizations, fueled by a deep belief that we must respond to this societal moment with optimism and connection.
Elizabeth Shaw
At Backyard Schools, I bring my strengths in coaching, strategy design, building vibrant teams and coalitions, communications, and innovation to each engagement and partnership.
I have two decades of experience improving public education as an educator, a social entrepreneur, a school system superintendent, and a chief executive, including significant work in policy, strategy, and innovation. In each of these roles I have pushed to implement organizational innovation and pursued fresh ideas to make meaningful change.
Throughout my career, I have endeavored to contribute in ways that meaningfully improve lives, with an emphasis on increasing knowledge, compassion, and connectedness.
I graduated from Barnard College and I’m a third-generation Chicagoan and Chicago Public Schools alum. I am also a Yoga Alliance-certified yoga instructor and a NOLS-certified wilderness first responder. I incorporate those skills into coaching, facilitation and retreats.