Her Story
About Marie
Marie Bollers has been working in the field of education since 1986. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Pennsylvania, with minors in African American Psychology and African American Studies. She later completed a master's degree in curriculum instruction with an emphasis in reading, communication, and language arts education while working at Pennsylvania State University, and pursued doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania. Bollers currently serves as Director and Founder of the UP Initiative - Stories and Songs, also known as the Unlocking Potential Initiative, which focuses on reaching overlooked learners, particularly those with special needs. She began this work in Sudan and expanded it upon returning to the United States, incorporating her skills as a singer, vocal coach, and songwriter. Her experience includes teaching at General John F. Reynolds School in North Philadelphia, where she implemented the Adaptive Learning Environments Model to integrate special needs students into regular classrooms with personalized learning stations. She has also worked with high school learners who are school reluctant or teen parents for the Department of Children and Families in New Jersey, and developed the SALT Saturday Academy Learning Teams model for adult literacy during her time in Morocco. Bollers attributes her success to focusing on one learner at a time and being willing to invest personal time and energy to support individual needs, a shift she experienced while working overseas. She values reaching those on the margins, sustainable and economical programs, and honoring the process while celebrating effort. Her faith is central to her work and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to focusing on the one learner at a time, individualization, and being willing to pay the personal cost in time and energy to truly help. I learned this shift in Morocco and it has guided my practice ever since, leading to better results and more honest work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was from a mentor who said 'no one likes change but a baby.' This reminds me that change is difficult and takes time, so when developing programs I should not overwhelm people with too many steps at once but give them one piece at a time.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Focus on the one, take care of yourself, and always bring joy. Serve joyfully.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are losing too many inspirational educators because promises are not kept within districts and systems, classes are too large, and focus is on ticking boxes rather than preparation. Opportunities lie in bringing inspired people together to share so everyone gets better.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Reaching those who are often overlooked, those on the margins. My faith is central, and I value sustainable, economical programs that invest in time, heart, and people rather than big budgets. I believe in honoring the process and celebrating effort.
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