Fellow:Marita Diffenbaugh
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Bio
Marita Diffenbaugh is a visionary educator, speaker, and author. As the Director of Innovation at North Idaho College, she leads transformative initiatives that elevate student learning, workforce readiness, and community collaboration. Her 26-year career in Idaho’s education system spans classrooms, schools, school districts, universities, and the State Department of Education. She is the founding principal of Elevate Academy North, a career technical school in Post Falls, Idaho, where she pioneered a model of multi-disciplinary, competency-based learning rooted in strong community partnerships.
Marita holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education with a Technology emphasis, and an Education Specialist Degree in Executive Educational Leadership. She has shared her expertise at local, national, and international conferences, offering insights on learner-centered design, digital citizenship, and professional development in both in-person and virtual settings.
Marita champions educational environments where students and communities thrive through connection, purpose, and innovation. She is committed to helping others recognize their value and potential. She believes every person has something extraordinary to offer the world—and she works to create spaces where that potential can flourish.
Achievements
Author, L.E.A.R.N.E.R., Finding the True, Good, and Beautiful in Education https://www.connectedd.org/marita-d Co-Founder, Elevate Academy North https://www.bluum.org/idaho-new-school-fellow-brings-career-technical-education-north/ Co-Founder, North Idaho College X-Labs: https://nic.edu/x-labs/ Researcher, Competency-Based Education: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14782103211031342