Symon Hayes

Outside of education, I draw from a background and lifelong passion in graphic design and illustration. Creativity continues to fuel my professional work and personal pursuits—I often produce visual art and find inspiration in the outdoors, be it mountain biking, road cycling, or running.

Now based in Castro Valley, CA, I remain as dedicated as ever to supporting school leaders in designing equitable, motivating, and transformative learning experiences for every student. I invite you to explore the services I offer and join me in fostering learning communities where all students can thrive.

With over 30 years of experience in education, I am dedicated to empowering educators and school leaders to create learning environments where every student can thrive. My journey has taken me from classrooms in both special and general education to influential roles as an instructional coach and leader at the district and organizational levels. I’ve had the privilege of serving as Director of Professional Learning and Senior Director of Learning Design at Envision Learning Partners, Learner-Centered Collaborative, and Eye to Eye National (now The Neurodiversity Alliance). Along the way, I’ve collaborated with visionary educators and advocates who share my deep commitment to learner-centered, inclusive, and innovative approaches.

My professional approach is anchored in proven frameworks including Project-Based Learning, Learner Variability, Universal Design for Learning, and Understanding by Design. I’m dedicated to designing and facilitating professional learning experiences that honor the expertise of each educator, foster creative, equitable, and engaging classrooms, and ensure all students feel seen, valued, and empowered. For me, learning is most effective when it is relevant, relational, and authentically inclusive, ensuring all students feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Originally from England, I moved to the U.S. in 2000 to teach in Vail, Colorado, where I was part of the founding team of an Expeditionary Learning School (now EL Education). Since relocating to Oakland, California in 2012, I’ve partnered with school leaders and educators across the country to support learning environments that truly reflect and respond to the diverse identities and needs of today’s students.