At Bon Education, our mission is to help organizations create and implement learning processes that increase effectiveness, engagement and impact. Our philosophy is grounded in two core beliefs:
1. We believe that a commitment to open dialog and reflective practice is crucial to creating a vibrant organization.
2. We believe that technology plays an important role in establishing organizational culture, in the multi-modal, multi-dimensional world we live in.
We work for non-profits, schools, governmental organizations as well as for-profit companies. Our services encompass the following processes:
- Assess and create sustainable learning and development plans.
- Design & Build effective programs that inspire stakeholders.
- Manage the implementation of programs.
- Teach & Engage key stakeholders through professional development and consulting.
- Measure & Analyze our work through benchmarks and metrics that create accountability.
We appreciate that you dropped by our site and encourage you to get in touch with us if you have questions or comments.
Leadership
Anna Batchelder (Founder & Chief Education Officer) - Education technologist and learning and development consultant, Anna is passionate about using technology to promote learning, cross-cultural understanding and great ideas. She has led product development, professional development and online community initiatives for organizations across the UAE, Bahrain, USA, UK, Caribbean and Japan including the UAE Ministry of Education, Wireless Generation, Curriki, the International Society for Technology in Education, the New York City Department of Education, ECC Foreign Language Institute and numerous other education and socially focused businesses. Anna is author of dot.Learnt and Literacy is Priceless and regularly guest blogs and presents on topics such as open education, digital literacy and social media. She holds an MA in International and Comparative Education from Columbia University and a BA in Economics from the College of William and Mary. Outside of Bon, Anna spends her time practicing vinyasa yoga, listening to audiobooks while jogging on the beach, reading blogs and traveling.
Christopher Batchelder (President) – Christopher began his career as an English teacher before moving into business working in the creative arts, commercial real estate brokerage and then investments & asset management. In 2008 he joined forces with his wife Anna to form Bon Education where he focuses on business development, research and strategy for clients. Christopher is passionate about the role of technology in advancing human development and empowerment. He is also a practicing Co-Active Coach working with both corporate and private clients. Christopher graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Ancient Greek Classics.
Advisory Board
Dr. Lynn Nolan - Senior Strategic Initiatives Officer, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Dr. Nolan’s background encompasses extensive experience publishing, advising and presenting on education technology across the globe. Currently, as Senior Strategic Initiatives Officer for ISTE, she leads the organization’s global initiatives by identifying and catalyzing partnerships with education institutions and government agencies worldwide. Dr. Nolan also serves as the National Workshop Chair for ISTE’s National Education Computing Conference and as the Program Chair for the International Conference on Teaching and Learning with Technology, jointly organized by ISTE and the Singapore Ministry of Education. Past projects include participation in the development of UNESCO’s ICT Competency Standards for Teachers, as well as advisory rolls in the development of ICT standards for the US, Brazil, China, Africa, India and Malaysia.
Dr. Nabeel Ahmad - Learning Technologist, IBM and Mobile Phone Learning Instructor, Columbia University, Teachers College. A consultant and professor in mobile learning technologies, Dr. Ahmad has developed digital learning solutions for numerous clients including IBM, Bank of America, Columbia University, the New York City Department of Education and the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute. He holds a Bachelor in Business from the University of Oklahoma, a Masters in eBusiness Technology from Carnegie Mellon University and a Doctorate in Learning Technologies from Columbia University.
Dr. Robin Dada - Director of Graduate Studies, Zayed University College of Education. Dr. Dada began her educational career as a high school student leading 4-H clubs for young children in rural Oregon, later becoming a certified teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools in public education for thirteen years before moving to academia. Most recently, Robin has spent the last decade working in Jordan and the UAE with pre-service and in-service educators. Her research interests include education reform, quantitative literacy, women in science and math and teacher leadership.
Bon Education Team
Mary Ames (Associate Manager of Education and Special Programs) - Mary is a scientist, a writer and an educator. Mary is passionate about bringing formative educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners. After studying math and physics at the University of Oregon, she taught and traveled in China before returning to earn her Master’s in Education. While earning her degree, she volunteered at a local public radio station, gaining experience in journalism and interviewing; skills that she first developed while working with Bon Education as a Social Media Fellow.
Nora Elsheikh (Marketing Associate) - Currently based at The George Washington University in Washington, DC Nora studies International Politics and Middle Eastern Studies. As an Elliott School of International Affairs Undergraduate Scholar, Nora has done extensive research on the quality of higher education in the Middle East. Her particular area of focus is education development in Egypt. At Bon Education Nora is combining her passion, education, communication and marketing.
Abeer Hekal (Bilingual ICT Trainer) - Education technology trainer and consultant, Abeer began her career as a pharmacist. Driven by her passion for education, she later transitioned into education holding positions such as high school biology teacher, high school chemistry teacher and head of science department in various schools across the Gulf. Abeer holds a Master’s degree from Northern Virginia University. She enjoys reading, traveling and technology.
Nelly Elzayat (Literacy Research and Education Outreach Resident) - Currently based in Cambridge, MA, Nelly is a student in the International Education Policy Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Nelly has been working in international education, specifically student advising, scholarship management and admissions for the past twelve years, in Egypt and Qatar. She is specifically interested in education reform and development in the Middle East, especially as they relate to technology and social entrepreneurship. Nelly is a graduate of the American University in Cairo twice, once with a BA in Economics and then an MA in Middle East Studies.