According to national surveys referenced in a study by the National Association of State Boards of Education, 40 to 60 percent of students were showing signs of disengagement in learning. In a time where teenage disengagement from traditional education systems is alarmingly high, the need for personalized education programs has never been more pressing and evident. As students grapple with the disconnect between their interests and conventional curriculum, addressing this disparity becomes paramount. This is where the significance of tailored educational approaches emerges, offering solutions to bridge the gap and empower teen learning.
Enter ReShuffle, an EdTech company founded by Yael Shafrir–an industry powerhouse leading a transformative initiative to reignite students’ passion for learning. A seasoned startup executive with an extensive background in media, Yael Shafrir’s diverse experience and innovative mindset are now channeled into revolutionizing the education sector.
“In an era requiring lifelong learning habits, our kids are acquiring none. The gap between the world they live in and the education system is too wide, and they’re struggling to connect with the old systems that are in place.”
Recognizing the growing disengagement of teenage students from traditional learning, ReShuffle addresses the significant implications this trend has on their lives and the broader society.
“We are bridging this gap by not only encouraging personal choice and customizing learning topics, but also utilizing up-to-date digital tools. This approach creates a familiar yet refreshing user experience, resonating with the social media and gaming environments that students enjoy.”
ReShuffle is dedicated to helping students connect with their personal passions and strengths, empowering them to initiate and complete real-life projects all while honing essential skills that ultimately build a foundation for success and happiness.
Yael, there are a number of EdTech companies out there, so what would you say is an industry shortcoming?
“The education industry has been fixated for too many years, and at this point, mere adjustments are not sufficient. We need an accelerated evolution and, in some instances, a complete revolution. The world has undergone significant changes since the establishment of modern education, yet the framework of teaching and assessment has changed so little. It’s no wonder it doesn’t align with the characteristics of today’s generations and their future needs.”
What sets ReShuffle apart from other EdTech companies in the industry?
“A number of factors set us apart. Among them are our student-centered approach in an industry that is mostly teacher-centered, a real-life-driven curriculum in an education landscape that is mostly detached from required skills, knowledge and know-how, and the opportunity for students to create a portfolio that represents their skills, talents, motivation levels, inspirations, and experiences in a useful and enjoyable way. Additionally, ReShuffle embraces a unique, Gen Z-driven digital experience. We are also working on an upcoming AI that is focused on motivation-building in learning.”
If you were to describe your daily routine, what does a typical day on the job entail as Co-Founder and CEO at ReShuffle?
“There’s no such thing as a typical day at the office as my days are incredibly versatile. We embrace a hybrid work model, so on the days that I work from the office, we kick-off our mornings with a standup that includes the entire team. As a young startup, our team is small and vibrant so we prioritize alignment to make the most of our time. My partner, Ori, and I then dive into a quick alignment meeting between us, followed by our respective assignments for the day, which could include school meetings, shooting content for a new quest, or engaging with our Spanish representative.
Around noon, we gather for a team lunch–which not only adds a fun element, but also strengthens our relationships and helps us address any personal matters that may arise. Afterward, we return to meetings and other tasks, usually wrapping up our day around 6:00PM–although I occasionally continue working from home. What makes my daily routine unique is its blend of ongoing tasks and a flexible future plan.”
What would you say is the most challenging aspect of your work and how do you overcome it?
“The recent challenges, such as the war in Israel, have temporarily put many of our deals on hold. In response, we have expedited our launch in Spain and are actively seeking out other communities. Simultaneously, we have initiated the development of our AI motivator, gearing up for a potential pivot to a B2C model next year. In essence, my biggest challenge lies in supporting and developing the existing framework while continually rethinking and preparing for our next phase.
Currently, patience is my primary challenge. As a woman who appreciates immediate results, and is working in the EdTech space–things do not move as fast as I am accustomed to, which can be incredibly frustrating. To cope, I have been working on turning this challenge into an opportunity. Recently, I’ve started practicing meditation to cultivate more tolerance for people with different paces or processes that may take time to mature. Being in control has been my norm, but I know it’s not always the right aspiration. This new world I’ve entered has given me the chance to explore things I have always thought might improve my life.”
With everything you do and manage, how do you maintain and prioritize a work-life balance?
“Maintaining a work-life balance has been an ongoing challenge. I used to work 24/7, which took a toll on my well-being, prompting me to make a change. Although the demands of being a founder and CEO in a young startup can feel infinite, I’m making progress. I now remind myself that there is always tomorrow. If things can wait, I make a conscious effort to stop at a reasonable hour, so I can spend the rest of the evening with family and friends.
Do you have any productivity hacks to recommend?
“One productivity hack I highly recommend is always starting from the goal. Before undertaking any task, ask yourself why you’re doing it. If you don’t have a clear answer, consider changing or skipping it. This simple approach not only saves time but also ensures that your efforts are directed toward meaningful and purposeful objectives.”
From Media Maven to Education Innovator
Yael Shafrir’s career began in the media space, where she thrived in various roles including journalist, producer, director, and digital manager. Her ability to create engaging experiences and drive audience retention has been well-honed through her tenure as CMO at Meet in Place and VP of International Partnerships at Playbuzz. This deep understanding of engagement mechanics is now being leveraged to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in education: student motivation.
Yael, how did you get to founding ReShuffle?
“In the media world that I come from, we know all about creating engagement, completion, and retention—even addiction. However, there is hardly any use of what the media industry knows about content consumption, attention span, reward-based gamification, etc, in the education world. I was exposed to that as a mom of two teenagers, and during Covid, saw what the impact of disengagement in learning had on my kids’ well-being. Self-development is a key human need, and not fulfilling it is a severe problem.”
Motivated by this realization, Shafrir left her dream job to pursue a life mission to reignite students’ passion for learning.
“It was three months into the Covid storm that I started thinking about a potential solution to this problem. I realized we need to build a tool that will reignite students’ passion for learning, and also offer a whole different experience if we really want to move the needle in terms of fostering motivation. Two months later, with the help of a group of super-smart and talented teenage students, we had our first prototype, and we launched it with a small pilot group.”
What keeps you motivated and inspires you the most?
“My target audience is my driving force and source of inspiration. I’m super passionate about impacting the world of teenage students, providing a real solution to their problem–creating a platform that will be part of their lives and make them thrive. I admire Gen Z’s perspective of our world, their rebel against things that I, too, believe should change. Therefore, one of the things I really enjoy is the constant need to talk to and connect with young people at their most crucial years of adolescence.”
Aside from your journey in your current role, can you share a moment that was most impactful or inspirational that still impacts you today?
“One particularly impactful realization has been understanding that the potential for change exists under any circumstance. Janusz Korczak knew it best. He was an educator who managed an orphanage during World War II. Despite the grim backdrop of war and the challenging task of caring for orphaned children, Korczak displayed exceptional innovation. His implementation of an advanced, holistic, gamified, student-centered methodology–far ahead of its time–is truly impressive. His resilience and open-minded spirit has left an enduring mark on my perspective. Amid the challenging days of the war in Israel, it serves as a constant reminder to pursue a much-anticipated transformation in education.
What is your biggest dream and what would you love to create in the world?
“I would love for young people across the world to get to know each other, as I believe that personal relationships can increase openness to others and foster peaceful spirits.”
A Unique Approach to Personalized Learning
ReShuffle is setting a new standard in education by focusing on personalized learning and student engagement through its innovative use of digital tools and emphasis on connecting with students’ passions. As the company continues to bridge the gap between outdated education systems and the needs of today’s youth, it is ensuring that students are better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future and are making a tangible difference in their educational journeys.
With its innovative approach and commitment to student success, ReShuffle is not only transforming the way students learn–but also inspiring a lifelong love of learning and personal growth.
Want to learn more about ReShuffle’s platform? Connect with Yael Shafrir on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shafriryael/ or visit the company’s website.
Are you a Fem in STEM and interested in being featured on the publication? Fill out the Get Featured form at this link for a chance to be featured!
Discover more from Fems in STEM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
