In 2001, Carrie Bakken helped to open the Avalon School, a democratic, teacher- led, project-based charter school located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Avalon School serves students in grades sixth through twelve. Students at Avalon School engage in self-directed projects and participate in an advisory model of education that contributes to a positive school culture. At Avalon, Carrie serves as both program coordinator and teacher. As program coordinator, she hosts visitors and researchers nationally and internationally who come to investigate Avalon School’s unique and successful model. Carrie is also committed to spreading awareness about alternative education models. In partnership with education organizations such as Teacher Powered and Education Evolving, Carrie regularly presents at education conferences regarding democratic schools, project-based learning, and teacher-led schools. She is also a recipient of the WEM Excellent Educators Award in Ethics Education and has co-founded the Minnesota Learner Centered Network. Carrie has a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas and a Juris Doctorate from Hamline University.