After working at Wenatchee High School for 12 years, I-Frosh Coordinator and Academic Intervention Specialist Mike Wilson has gone off to lead, alongside program coordinator Diana Haglund, the Wenatchee Learns program — a movement to personalize education in the Wenatchee School District.

Wilson’s old job consisted of working with students, staff, parents and administration to facilitate the transition from middle school to high school for freshmen. Wilson also helped students re-engage in learning.

“I really haven’t left you [WHS],” said Wilson. “I have taken a role to participate in a team that impacts all of WSD and not just WHS.”

Wilson’s new title is Wenatchee Learns service specialist. The job title gives Wilson the task of researching computer software and different ways to approach education reform much needed in the Wenatchee Valley, according to Wilson.

“We are looking to be able to connect our community with education,” said Wilson. “We also want to get the students moving from being consumers and spectators to being participators.”

Wenatchee Learns hopes to move into the second floor of The Wenatchee World building, located in downtown Wenatchee. There they hope to create a facility open to the community.

“The facility will hopefully have opportunities for the students to come and get hands-on experiences,” said Wilson. “Eventually we hope to connect students with job shadows.”

In order to achieve the overall goal Superintendent Brian Flones set for Wenatchee Learns — to create personalized learning — Wilson will be traveling to look at school districts that have already begun similar programs. A recent trip included a visit to Colorado where they have facilities that reflect the local committee’s vision.

“It is endless what we can do,” said Wilson. “It is like building the airplane in the air.”

Wilson claims that although they have a well defined idea of what Wenatchee Learns will accomplish, they are open to many possibilities of achieving the goal.

“I left [WHS] because I love you,” said Wilson. “This not only affects the high school. It will impact future generations, and it is very exciting.”