Empowering Educators.
Transforming Classrooms.

Michelle Simpson helps schools and educators unlock the power of concept-based inquiry learning – nurturing deeper understanding, critical thinking, and lasting impact in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Meet Michelle Simpson

Michelle Simpson is an educational consultant with over 30 years of experience across New Zealand, the UK, the UAE, Sudan, and Oman. She helps schools create concept-based, inquiry-driven classrooms that build deep understanding — not just surface knowledge. Her work bridges strategy with practicality, making lasting change possible for educators and students alike.

Certified Erickson and Lanning CBCI Trainer

Michelle is a certified Erickson and Lanning CBCI Trainer.
She offers workshops that help schools:

  • Design clear, concept-based units

  • Foster student thinking through inquiry

  • Apply strategies that work across different contexts

Concept-Based Inquiry Mathematics Project

 

Michelle is a lead curriculum writer for the international Concept-Based Inquiry Mathematics Pilot. The program, developed by Rachel French and Kelvin Sparks, brings thinking to the center of math learning and is used across schools in multiple countries.

Global Experience. Local Impact.

 

With deep experience across diverse cultural settings, Michelle tailors her approach to each school’s needs. She is known for making complex ideas simple, and for helping teachers feel confident in what they teach and why it matters.

Services

Michelle Simpson provides a comprehensive range of educational consulting services aimed at transforming teaching practices and enhancing student learning outcomes. Partnering with Professional Learning International, she designs impactful and innovative learning experiences tailored to diverse contexts. Her expertise in concept-based inquiry learning equips educators with tools and strategies to foster critical thinking and enduring understanding in students.

Innovative Teaching Workshops

Join our dynamic workshops where educators collaborate to explore and develop innovative teaching strategies. These interactive sessions are designed to inspire, engage, and equip teachers with practical tools for implementing concept-based inquiry learning in real classroom contexts.

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Personalized Coaching Sessions through PLI

I specialize in planning and delivering bespoke concept-based learning experiences for schools and educators. Through close collaboration, I help educators design tailored instructional strategies that foster deep understanding, boost student engagement, and strengthen curriculum clarity.

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Erickson & Lanning CBCI 2-Day workshop

As a coach with Professional Learning International (PLI), I lead intensive 2-day workshops focused on the CBCI framework. These sessions guide educators in designing tailored strategies that enhance deep understanding, build student agency, and support concept-driven planning.

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Concept-Based Inquiry Workshops

Collaborate with Michelle through Professional Learning International (PLI) to take part in the Concept-Based Inquiry in Action workshop. Our workshops align educational programs with modern practice, fostering deeper student understanding and long-term engagement.

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Unlocking the Power of Concept-Based Inquiry Learning

Concept-based inquiry combines inquiry learning and concept-based learning. CBI encourages students to explore big ideas and essential questions that transcend traditional subject boundaries. This approach fosters critical thinking and helps students develop a deeper understanding of the world.

  • Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Promotes transferable understanding of concepts.
  • Prepares students for a rapidly changing world.

Client Feedback

Discover how Michelle’s guidance inspired teachers around the world.

🎓 As part of induction week, we were delighted to have Michelle Simpson conduct a Concept-based Inquiry (CBI) workshop today for our Early Childhood and Primary School educators at OWIS Nanyang. This engaging session provided valuable insights into the various types of Inquiry and their intentional application in the classroom. 🏛 We delved into the roles of learning engagements and their support for an inductive approach and student agency. Our EC and Primary educators, both new and returning, took this opportunity to renew their understanding, reflect, and prepare to bring these insights into their teaching for the year ahead.
Nur Syahdiqin Ismail
Nur Syahdiqin Ismail PYP Coordinator: One World International School, Singapore
Michelle Simpson is hands down the best coach out there, especially when it comes to CBI. I've had the chance to team up with her for a whole year to weave CBI into the fabric of out teaching and learning culture, and let me tell you, she's been nothing short of amazing. Super hardworking, totally gets it, and is all in when it comes to supporting the process. She's all about getting down to brass tacks - planning, showing how it's done, and jumping right into the trenches to co-teach CBI lessons with us in the classrooms. Anyone who gets to work with her, consider yourself lucky!
Darwin Balog-Ang
Darwin Balog-AngPYP Coordinator, Macau International School
Michelle's dedication, expertise, and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout my learning journey. She has demonstrated a deep knowledge of Content-Based Instruction, explaining it and providing additional resources that tailored my needs. Thanks to her guidance, I have gained a deeper appreciation for teaching through concepts and making them visible for my students. I highly recommend Michelle to anyone seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive mentor.
Rossana Quiroz
Rossana QuirozCurriculum Coordinator, Montessori International College, Peru
Learning Never Stops! 🌟 I recently had the privilege of attending the enriching workshop, "Thinking Mathematically: Building Connections through Concept-Based Inquiry," led by the brilliant Michelle Simpson and Cheryl Isles. I’m excited to share these valuable insights with my network. Key takeaways: 🔍The power of an inductive approach in teaching Mathematics 💡 Why case studies are crucial in Mathematics 🛠️ Practical strategies like the 4-Corner Debate and Cross Comparison Chart that promote deeper learning and engagement A huge thank you to the Professional Learning International Rachel French for organizing this incredible opportunity for growth!
Rachel BrahmdevAssistant PYP Coordinator

A look at Michelle’s latest workshops, projects, and professional thinking.

A Glimpse into Michelle’s World

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Educational Resources

Explore a curated selection of educational materials designed to support transformative learning. These resources are crafted to enhance teaching practices and foster enduring understandings.
  • Guide to Concept-Based Learning - A comprehensive guide to implementing concept-based inquiry in the classroom.
  • Parent's Handbook - Tips and strategies for supporting your child's learning journey at home.
  • Workshop Materials - Downloadable resources from Michelle's latest workshops.
  • Curriculum Development Toolkit - Tools and templates for creating a concept-based curriculum.