Stories from the field: VOICES AND VISIONS FROM THE WORKFORCE

 
 

About the Project

Stories from the Field: Voices and Visions from the Workforce is a project to showcase and uplift the unique impact and experience of the expanded learning workforce. Mike Taylor of San Rafael City Schools, the artist leading this project, is an educator with over 20 years of experience. PCY has teamed up with Mike to capture the voices and stories of the diverse landscape of expanded learning professionals from communities across California. Together, our goal is for these portraits and stories to reach decision-makers, advocates, and the broader public, keeping workforce experiences and needs at the forefront of where policy is made. where policy is made.

Since October 2025, Mike and PCY have held photo shoot sessions in San Rafael, San Francisco, Alameda County, and San Diego, capturing nearly 40 unique narratives. Thank you to Region 4 Expanded Learning, San Francisco Beacon Initiative, Linking Learning Leading (3LN) Workforce Development Network, San Diego Foundation, A Reason to Survive (ARTS), and CAN ECOSYSTEM for co-hosting these sessions. Stories from the Field: Voices and Visions from the Workforce features expanded learning professionals from across the state, including:

  • How they got into expanded learning

  • Why their work matters

  • What's been missing from their journey

  • Who helped them along the way, and

  • Wisdom for colleagues and newcomers to the field

About the Artist

 

Mike Taylor is a Bay Area educator of 21 years with a focus on finding ways to create equitable and meaningful systems in his community. Mike’s experience for the last three years has been Expanded Learning. He loves it. He also loves to make pictures and chat with folks. When he’s not doing that, he’s probably playing Lego with his kids.

 

Share Your Story

We want to collect more stories so that the strength and diversity of the expanded learning workforce are truly represented. Please complete the short form below if you are interested in contributing to Stories from the Field! 

 

Please contact Maria Ramirez, Sr. Program Manager, to learn more about the project and/or partner with us!