Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Wildkress. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

David, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

Our current factory-model education system has myriad design problems. If we were to bring together all the greatest minds in education, design, and business to build a world-class education system from the ground up, they would never design the system we have. There is too much to go into, and I would change just about everything, but I will focus on the emphasis on content acquisition. Most classes are focused on learning information. Foundational skills are taught along the way, but the focus is on content. One of the many changes I would make is to focus school on foundational skills rather than content acquisition. There are many ways to do this from a curricular standpoint, but this is a core problem that needs to be addressed.

David, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a learning specialist passionate about supporting neurodivergent people. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at age six in 1985, so I have endless compassion for the confusing and uncomfortable experiences neurodivergent people can have at school, work, and in life. With over 20 years of experience working with neurodivergent people, I have developed expertise in supporting people with extraordinarily complex neurodiverse profiles.

My journey with neurodiversity is further enriched by his experience of growing up with two older brothers who were diagnosed with Autism and ADHD as adults. These diagnoses have been revelatory for my brothers, deepened my understanding of neurodiversity, and strengthened my relationship with them. As a child, I was unknowingly navigating a household of neurodiverse individuals, which has further contributed to my unique perspective on the subject.

I hold a master’s degree in education and a certificate in educational therapy. I have helped countless students and adults improve their executive function and metacognitive skills. I have developed a methodology that helps clients understand and work with their challenges rather than fear them. With a calm and disarming demeanor, I quickly put clients at ease and support them in achieving their goals.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was a high school principal during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a profoundly challenging experience. I learned more than I could ever quantify, but it was a complete burnout situation for me, and I had to make a sudden and unexpected left turn in my career to get out. This is how Outside the Bell Curve came into being. It’s been a wonderfully challenging and exciting experience building a private practice, and I love my work.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I spend much time building relationships with like-minded colleagues who serve neurodiverse clients. These relationships are the foundation of my reputation. I love the wonderful folks I collaborate with, and it’s one of the best parts of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.outsidethebellcurve.org/
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/david-wildkress-568b86