Our Values – NorthStar Education Partners

Our Compass

Navigating with NorthStar's Values

Our values are more than just ideals – they’re the foundation upon which we build relationships, develop strategies, and implement solutions. They inform our decisions, inspire our actions, and drive us forward in pursuit of our mission.

Through a deep commitment to authenticity, equity, transformation, joy, and excellence, we strive to create meaningful impact and drive positive change in every community we serve.

Explore Our Core Values

At NorthStar Education Partners, five core values guide how we work with one another, our clients, and our partners and collaborators.

Strives for Authenticity

We create the conditions required for individuals, teams, and communities to bring their full selves, distinctive perspectives, and unique strengths to the design process.

Leads for Equity & Inclusion

We operate with the belief that racism and systemic inequity have been designed into systems and thus, can be redesigned to promote equity and freedom.

Designs to Transform

We challenge ourselves and our clients to reach for enduring solutions that accelerate progress towards holistic student outcomes.

Chooses Joy

We find, bring, and share the joy in our work every day. We practice gratitude, celebrate wins, and offer praise.

Pursues Excellence

We are lifelong learners, continually seeking out ways to improve, innovate, and produce high-quality work for our clients.

Explore our Equity Practices

At NorthStar Education Partners, we are committed to advancing racial equity, diversity, inclusivity, and justice (REDI-J). We believe in co-creating organizations, systems, and environments where all people can show up as their full and authentic selves. Our approach integrates the principles of Liberatory Design, ensuring that our work not only addresses but actively dismantles systemic racism and inequities embedded within organizational systems and practices.

We believe:

Our Core Practices

To embody our beliefs, NorthStar consultants implement the following practices in all of our interactions and partnerships

Cultivating Awareness

We commit to being aware of the differences within groups, understanding hierarchical dynamics, recognizing our blind spots and triggers, and observing who is participating or being excluded. This awareness helps us to “See the System” and identify potential equity challenges. We practice self-awareness and embrace complexity, recognizing oppression and work with fear and discomfort.

Practicing Active Listening and Empathy

We practice active listening, empathizing with others’ realities, acknowledging multiple perceptions, and seeking feedback from all participants. We focus on human values and build relational trust. These practices align with the “Empathize” and “Define” modes of Liberatory Design.

Using Effective Interventions

We intervene effectively by speaking from personal experience, encouraging others to share their observations, and valuing all contributions. We have a bias towards action and don’t let perfect become the enemy of good. This practice is part of the “Inquire” and “Try” modes of Liberatory Design, helping us to better understand and address challenges. We seek liberatory collaboration and exercise creative courage.

Facilitating Inclusively

We establish inclusive, multicultural norms, create spaces for authentic relationships, and ensure all voices are included in conversations and decision-making processes. We allow time for pauses during significant events and prioritize well-being and healing. This reflects the “Imagine” and “Prototype” modes of Liberatory Design, fostering creative and inclusive solutions. We share, don’t sell, focusing on collective learning and growth.

Engaging Diverse Stakeholders

We center the students, families, staff, and community members that are closest to the challenges we seek to address. We uplift the voices and seek out multiple competing perspectives. This aligns with the belief that designing for equity requires the meaningful participation of those impacted by inequity. We work to transform power by shifting relationships and generating critical learning.

Prioritizing Well-Being and Flexibility

We begin meetings with personal check-ins, mindfulness activities, and ice-breakers. We remain flexible with agendas, adapting to current pressures and individual needs, fostering a respectful and empathetic environment. This practice supports the “Notice & Reflect” modes of Liberatory Design, encouraging ongoing self-awareness and situational awareness. We attend to healing, creating spaces for well-being and support.

By integrating these practices and mindsets, we strive to create designs that interrupt inequity, transform power dynamics, and generate critical learning. Our commitment to race, equity, diversity, and justice is woven into every aspect of our work, ensuring that we continually evolve to support the organizations we serve and each other.

Our vision and practices for REDI-J has been informed by an incredible constellation of trailblazers and partners in the field, including The National Equity Project, 228 Accelerator, Promise54, Equity Meets Design, The Equity Lab, and many others.

Our Values & Beliefs