About Liftoffs Learning
Our Philosophy
At Liftoffs Learning, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
Our Teachers
Our Classrooms
While traditional classrooms often follow a single pace for all students, LIFToFFS classrooms shift the focus to actively engaging every student in their learning. This means students are thinking, asking questions, working with others, and applying their learning to meaningful, real-world experiences rather than passively listening or completing the same task at the same time. Teachers intentionally design lessons around LIFToFFS Four Core Experiences that guide daily instruction and support the whole child, helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and the skills needed to succeed in the world they are growing up in today.
The Four Core Experiences were developed as a way to shape our LIFToFFS framework. These experiences are used to help teachers design instruction to enhance the student experience. Each experience (personalized learning, durable sills, authentic inquiry, and global readiness) are intentionally integrated into the classroom structure to help students think deeply, ask questions, collaborate with others, and work on meaningful projects that connect learning to the real world, while using technology in supportive ways to explore ideas, track their growth, and build confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
How did liftoffs begin?
LIFToFFS was born in the rural regions of Western Wisconsin out of CESA (Cooperative Educational Service Agency) #4, sparked by a dream to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the communities that raised us. It emerged as a bold response to a quiet crisis - rural schools and rural communities are being asked to do more with less, even as the stakes grow higher for our students, our teachers, and our local economies.
This was a call to action — to name the challenges, refuse the status quo, and boldly say: no longer.
It was clear that solving these complex, deeply rooted issues would require something different. It would take a coalition, a multidisciplinary team of visionary educators, service agencies, and community leaders all willing to take a risk on a better future. A future not just for our current students, but for the strength of their hometowns, the survival of our local businesses, the stability of our teaching workforce, and the legacy of rural Wisconsin.
What started as a conversation between two visionary district leaders, Mike Beighley of Whitehall School District and Cory Kulig of Eleva-Strum School District, quickly gained momentum, expanding into a regional initiative fueled by shared urgency, bold experimentation, and a deep commitment to public education.
District innovators
Mike Beighley
Mike Beighley
Mike Beighley
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Mike serves as the district superintendent at the Whitehall School District.
Cory Kulig
Mike Beighley
Mike Beighley
Cory serves as the district superintendent at the School District of Eleva-Strum.
Rob Stewart
Mike Beighley
Rob Stewart
Rob serves as the district superintendent at the Alma School District.
Who is Liftoffs learning - CESA 4 Directors
Britni Walz
Chelsea Adams
Jenny Riggle
LIFToFFS Educational Innovation Program Director
CESA 4 Director of Instructional Services and Emerging Technology
Specializing in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Emerging Technologies, AI Platforms, Inquiry, Instruction, Assessment, District Contact
Jenny Riggle
Chelsea Adams
Jenny Riggle
LIFToFFS Director of Innovation in Student Engagement
CESA 4 Director of Student Services, Prevention, & Wellness
Specializing in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Social Emotional Learning Assessment, Mental Health, SpEd, Grant Writing, Future-Readiness Advocacy
Chelsea Adams
Chelsea Adams
Chelsea Adams
LIFToFFS Director of Innovation in Teaching and Learning
CESA 4 Director of Instructional Services and Leader of LIFToFFS Coaching Center
Specializes in: Mathematics, Restructuring, Research & Development, Thinking Classrooms, Instruction, Assessment, AI Platform Vetting
Who is Liftoffs learning - CESA 4 Directors
Abby Fernan
Christy Tainter
Christy Tainter
LIFToFFS Director of Innovation in Student and Staff Wellness
CESA 4 Director of Student Services, Prevention, & Wellness
Specializes in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Mental Health, Social Emotional Learning Integration, Future-Ready Instruction, Staff Well-Being
Christy Tainter
Christy Tainter
Christy Tainter
LIFToFFS Director of Innovation in Future Readiness
CESA 4 Director of Academic and Career Planning
Specializing in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Mental Health, Social Emotional Learning Integration, Academic and Career Planning, Regional Career Plans, Higher Education, Future-Readiness Advocacy, Community Connections
Megan Sprague
Christy Tainter
Megan Sprague
LIFToFFS Coach
CESA 4 Director of Instructional Services
Specializes in: Restructuring, Research & Development, Inquiry, Instruction, Assessment, AI Platform Vetting
About Liftoffs Learning
Rooted in Partnership, Powered by Trust.
LIFToFFS began in the heart of Western Wisconsin, established by innovative district superintendents and directors of the Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA) #4. What started as a conversation between two visionary district leaders quickly gained momentum — expanding into a statewide initiative fueled by shared urgency, bold experimentation, and a deep commitment to public education.
Today, LIFToFFS includes 10 district partners across Wisconsin, with more joining the movement each year. We are actively enrolling new districts and anticipate 20+ partnerships for the 2025–2026 academic year.