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ABOUT

Get to Know Allison

Specializing in curriculum, assessment, instructional designs,  Allison Zmuda is an international curriculum consultant with over two decades of experience helping schools design educational systems that are dynamic, engaging, and relevant.

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How We'll Work Together

Two questions consistently emerge when I work with schools on curriculum projects:

"Why are we doing this?"
 To streamline and modernize curriculum—making learning easier to access, understand, and use. A streamlined curriculum is more effective, engaging, and purposeful.

"Who is our audience?"
 Students and families, first and foremost. When we speak directly to them in clear, compelling language, we invite them into partnership with their own learning.

Whether through workshops, ongoing consultation, or strategy calls, I bring:

  • Thought partnership to navigate perspectives and find consensus
  • Protocols that move teams from ideas to action
  • Real-world experience from schools across the globe
  • A commitment to solutions that honor your vision and reality

The Journey

I've spent over two decades in curriculum work, but my "why" has always been the same: It’s hard to watch talented educators and curious students get buried underbloated, disconnected curriculum that steals the joy from learning.

Early in my career, I watched talented teachers drowning in mandates, resources, and standards—spending more time managing the mess than actually teaching. I saw students confused about where they were going and why it mattered. Something had to change.

That realization sent me on a path to help schools cut through the noise. To streamline what's truly essential. To design a curriculum that speaks directly to students in a language they can understand and connect with. And to empower teachers to see themselves not as deliverers of content, but as composers of meaningful learning experiences.

Today, I work with schools worldwide to transform curriculum from overwhelming to inspiring—and I love every minute of it.

2002

Launched into curriculum consulting

My original tagline — design learning that is meaningful, challenging, and worthy of the attempt.

2003

Collaborated with Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe

Developing Understanding by Design materials with the co-authors. Delivered keynotes and facilitated UbD workshops to articulate curriculum. for many years.

2015

Created Learning Personalized

Curated a website that featured personalized learning and the connection with Habits of Mind

2022

Joined The Institute for Habits of Mind as Co-Director

Transforming education through intelligent behaviors for success in learning and life.

2023

Co-Authored Streamlining the Curriculum

A resource for educators looking to elevate their unit and lesson plans, increase student engagement, and improve home-school communication.

2025

Launched the Curriculum Storyboard Institute in Partnership with EduPlanet21

Arming participants with the tools to move beyond traditional, overloaded curricula and embrace a fresh, exciting approach to design.

Key Partnerships

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Co-Director | Institute for Habits of Mind

With Bena Kallick and Art Costa, I help schools integrate the 16 Habits of Mind into their culture, assessments, and instructional practices—developing students' essential skills and mindsets for lifelong learning.

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Co-Creator | Curriculum Storyboards

With Heidi Hayes Jacobs, I've pioneered the storyboard approach to curriculum design—a visual, narrative framework that makes learning journeys clear and compelling for students and families.

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Strategic Advisor | Eduplanet21

I've partnered with Eduplanet to build the storyboard approach into their curriculum design platform as well as develop a learning institute on how to get started on curriculum storyboards with Heidi Hayes Jacobs.

Let's Connect

I'm always excited to meet educators committed to transforming curriculum across the world. Whether you're just starting to explore streamlining or ready to dive into storyboards, I'd love to hear about your vision.

Schedule a Strategy Call

Schedule a 20-minute discovery call with Allison at a time convenient for you.

Explore Services

Explore the services we offer. We'd be happy to discuss your unique needs.

Read Latest Insights

See our blog for recent thoughts and resources from Allison.