Kapono Ciotti is passionate about the science of teaching and learning and has put this practice into action as the Executive Director of What School Could Be. Kapono believes that education is an act of social justice, a philosophy that resonates in his work as a school leader and executive director. Kapono is the co-author of The Landscape Model of Learning, an international trainer and professional development coach, teacher, and a culture and place-based curriculum writer. In addition, Kapono spent 15 years as a facilitator for the National Association of Independent Schools, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is a contributor to national and international movements in project-based and deeper learning.

Kapono Ciotti earned a Ph.D. in International Education in 2018 from Northcentral University, holds a Masters degree in Social Change and Development from the University of Newcastle, Australia, and a Bachelors in Language and Cultural Studies from The Evergreen State College, Washington.