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Megan Marcus
Founder and Partner
Megan Marcus is the Founder and Partner of FuelEd, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing emotional intelligence and relationship-building among educators. She established FuelEd in 2012, driven by the belief that relationships are fundamental to learning. Her journey began during her training as a therapist and her research for Dr. Louis Cozolino's book The Social Neuroscience of Education, where she recognized the similarities between teaching and counseling, both rooted in connection and human development.12
Education and Early Career
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and two master's degrees: one in Psychology from Pepperdine University and another in Education, Policy, and Management from Harvard University. Her academic background laid the foundation for her work at FuelEd, where she focuses on translating therapeutic training into educational contexts.23
Achievements
In 2017, Marcus was named an Ashoka Fellow, a recognition awarded to social entrepreneurs who demonstrate innovative solutions to social challenges. This accolade highlights her impact on educational practices across the U.S., where FuelEd has partnered with over 100 K-12 schools and organizations to foster emotional intelligence among educators.124
Philosophy and Impact
Marcus advocates for a model of education that prioritizes emotional competencies, arguing that such skills are essential for creating supportive learning environments. FuelEd's programs aim to help educators develop self-awareness and relationship-building skills, ultimately transforming school cultures to be more empathetic and effective.13