Fostering a Generation of Independent Thinkers
Certell is a nonprofit digital learning company focused on creating lifelong learners who can process information thoughtfully and engage constructively with others. In other words, teach people how to think—not what to think.
Methodology
Unbiased content
Virtually every module of our World and American History curriculum includes topic-relevant mini-lessons on race, social organization (class), and other issues pertinent to that module’s topic. We believe this is the appropriate way to assure that our content addresses important and controversial subjects without becoming partisan or ideological.
Dynamic learning for all
This digital format—paired with an e-reader that works in poor bandwidth environments—allows all teachers and students to have access to quality curriculum.
Our curriculum is designed so students can do the reading and consume the multimedia at home, and then come to class ready for discussion. This method allows the digital tools to convey skills and knowledge, giving teachers the time to provide context, wisdom and motivation.
Initiatives
Award-winning pop culture curriculum for high school
Poptential™ is a family of free high school social studies course packages that pair pop culture media with engaging digital storytelling for effective, dynamic learning by today’s digital-native students. Poptential™ is used by more than 28,000 teachers in 50 states.
Dynamic learning for home schools, employers and prisons
SensibleSchool™ offers a growing array of digital courses, tools and personalized instruction in social studies, civics and personal finance to learners in home schools, workplaces and prisons. SensibleSchool™ has provided Civics education to more than 300 inmates, and is planning to expand its inmate enrichment to include liberal arts programs.
Dynamic learning for higher education
Huntington Junior College (HJC) is a comprehensive, open-admission nonprofit institution committed to preparing graduates for successful employment and lifelong learning. The college is ranked among the top six medical assistant schools and dental schools in West Virginia, and has robust programs in substance abuse counseling and business management.
Funding
Certell, Inc. is funded by donors who believe all teachers and students should have access to quality curriculum. Our donors do not influence or control the content that we produce and distribute.
Leadership
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Fred Fransen, Co-founder and CEO
Fred’s career has been dedicated to improving the ability of people around the world to live prosperous and free lives by increasing their educational opportunities. Fred earned a Ph.D. in Social Thought from University of Chicago.
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Mike Lindell, Chief Operating Officer
Mike has spent nearly two decades helping educational and nonprofit organizations grow. Mike earned a bachelor’s degree from the Indiana University School of Business.
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Lisa Roberts, Senior Vice President of Initiatives
Lisa has spent her career guiding fundraising and development for nonprofits. An adjunct professor at Indian River State College, Lisa earned an MBA from Jacksonville University and a bachelor’s degree from University of North Florida.
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Esteban Gonzalez, Economist, Curriculum and Outreach
Esteban serves as Certell’s economics curriculum expert. Based in Indiana and Mexico City, Esteban earned a master’s degree in political economy from Kings College, London.
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Julie Smitherman, Director of Content Management
Julie was a high school social studies teacher for eight years before joining Certell to help craft its social studies curriculum. Julie earned a master’s degree in economics from George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in social studies teacher education from Purdue University.
Board of Directors
Chairman
Dennis A. Trinkle, Indianapolis, IN
Treasurer
Jay Utterback, Indianapolis, IN
CEO
Frederic Fransen, Fishers, IN
Board Members
Sheree Speakman
Stephen Farris
Dominique Lazanski