Brain-First Learning for an AI World
Brian Winter, M.Ed.
About Brian Winter, M.Ed.
Co-founder, president, and “Director of Fun” of SOAR® Learning, Inc.
Co-founder & president
A teacher first, an entrepreneur second
Brian Winter is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, a career and technical education (CTE) educator, and an entrepreneur. He co-founded SOAR Learning, Inc. with his wife, Susan Kruger Winter, and has specialized in learning and study skills since 1996.
His work has been recognized across Oakland County and beyond. He is a member of Leadership Oakland XXV and a recipient of the Oakland County Excellence in Education Award.
Relevant learning
CTE Certified: Experiential Learning Expert
Brian spent 17 years as co-advisor of Lake Orion High School’s DECA chapter. He ran at least three student trips a year — behind-the-scenes tours of major Manhattan companies, state championships, and DECA’s international championships.
The chapter averaged 60 members and 8–12 international competitors a year. DECA is one of the best examples of SOAR’s primary value, relevant learning: real scenarios, real competition, and real networking, preparing students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. SOAR is proud to sponsor the local chapter.
Brian and his DECA students meet Keith Urban on the set of Good Morning America. (Brian is in the back, next to Keith.)
Brian with his co-moderator, Julia Dalrymple, and one of their state champions, Jessie Smude — who went on to be a long-time intern and is now a full-time employee with SOAR.
Kitchen Counter University™
Coaching graduates into the real world
Brian keeps coaching his DECA graduates through college and into their careers — landing interviews and offers, with a 100% success rate.
Susan calls these sessions “Kitchen Counter University™” because former students still turn up at the house for impromptu coaching at the kitchen island.
The Green Zone
Why “Director of Fun”?
Brian added “Director of Fun” to his title as president — a reminder to keep work, and school, in the “Green Zone.” Read Brian’s article about the Green Zone →
Where to next
Where would you like to go from here?
If you're an educator sizing up the curriculum — see what SOAR teaches, how it fits a schedule, and what arrives in the box. What is SOAR? →
If you're new to the site — route yourself by role, grade level, or the problem you're trying to solve. Start here →
If you want the rest of the story — SOAR began with Susan's own struggles as a student, long before it was a company. Meet Susan →
