About EdInnovation Forward
Education that evolves, connects, and applies to the real world.
Ed Innovation Forward is an educational initiative founded by Zahra Razi, an educator and technologist whose work bridges classroom practice, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary learning. It is a platform for reimagining how education is designed, experienced, and brought to life in a rapidly evolving world. Through classroom innovations, practical resources, and shared experiences, Ed Innovation Forward supports educators in integrating computer science, artificial intelligence, and innovative teaching practices in meaningful, equitable, and human-centered ways. At its core is a vision for educational environments where learning is connected rather than siloed, where students move beyond consuming technology to creating with it responsibly, and where academic knowledge, technical skills, and essential life skills come together. Rooted in one educator's journey and shaped by experiences across classrooms, technology, and educational leadership, Ed Innovation Forward brings together ideas, resources, and real-world practices to inspire educators and empower students not only to navigate a changing world, but to help shape it.
Meet the Educator Behind the Project
I’m Zahra Razi.
My journey into education began long before I became a teacher.
As a high school student, I enrolled in a Career Technical Education (CTE) program focused on computer science and technology. That experience changed the trajectory of my life. While many students were still exploring possible career paths, I was developing technical skills, solving problems, and discovering the power of technology to create and innovate. That early exposure gave me a head start, and it shaped how I think about education today. It led me to pursue a degree in software engineering and opened doors to professional opportunities at a young age. More importantly, it taught me something that continues to guide my work:
When students have opportunities to develop relevant skills and apply their learning in authentic ways, they gain confidence, direction, and a clearer sense of what is possible.
Where Technology Met Education
I grew up surrounded by educators. My mother and aunts dedicated their careers to teaching, and their example showed me the lasting impact an educator can have on a young person’s life. Over time, my interest in technology and my connection to education found each other. Before becoming a classroom teacher, I worked in software engineering, web development, and instructional technology. Later, I rebuilt my career in a new country, earning new credentials, adapting to new systems, and continuing to learn along the way. Those experiences shaped my understanding of resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning, qualities I now work to cultivate in my students.
What I Do Today
My work spans education, technology, and innovation through several roles:
-
Grades 7–12 Mathematics, Computer Science, and Business Educator
-
Educational Technology Leader
-
Higher Education Adjunct Faculty
-
Speaker and Professional Learning Facilitator
-
Educational Innovator
My academic background includes computer software engineering, business information technology, educational administration, and ongoing doctoral studies in instructional technology.
How I Think About Learning
I believe education should prepare students not only for academic success, but for life. Whether I am teaching mathematics, computer science, or business in grades 7–12, or working with future educators in higher education, I intentionally integrate essential life skills into my instruction. Communication, collaboration, organization, responsibility, perseverance, kindness, self-discipline, creativity, and ethical decision-making are not separate from academic learning. I create opportunities for learners to practice these skills consistently through projects, problem-solving, discussions, and real-world applications. I also encourage learners to make connections across disciplines, take ownership of their learning, and apply what they know in meaningful ways.
Professional Recognition
Along the way, I have been fortunate to receive several professional recognitions, including ISTE+ASCD’s 20 to Watch (2025), the ISTE GenerationAI Luminary Award (2025), the ASU+GSV AI Innovator recognition (2025), the Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador recognition (2024–2026), and the CSTA Responsible AI Fellowship (2026). I am grateful for these opportunities and for the educators, students, and colleagues who continue to shape my learning and work.
Why EdInnovation Forward
Bringing ideas, experiences, and innovation together.
EdInnovation Forward is where I bring all of these experiences together to share ideas, resources, classroom innovations, and perspectives on how education can continue to evolve. It grows from my journey as a student whose early experiences with hands-on learning revealed the value of connecting knowledge to real life, a technologist who entered education, and an educator who believes students deserve opportunities not only to understand the changing world, but to help shape it.
Because the purpose of education is not only to keep up with a changing world.
It is to prepare students to move it forward.