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Everything You Need to Know to Teach the Britannica Way

Meet the passionate experts behind Britannica Education’s digital resources site, Teach Britannica. Our diverse team of curriculum and instructional designers, educators, and learning specialists brings a wealth of experience crafting cutting-edge instructional materials and professional development programs. From seasoned classroom veterans to educational technology pioneers, we’re united by a common goal: to create flexible, engaging resources that empower teachers and ignite student curiosity.

Meet Our Team

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Joan Jacobsen
Chief Product Officer
Joan brings more than 25 years of experience developing award-winning products for the classroom. She began her career as a classroom teacher before focusing on educational technology and product development. She has been instrumental in developing many high-quality, engaging solutions that support teachers and drive student success, including CODEi and EdTech Breakthrough Award winners.
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Julee Schuster
Senior Product Manager
Julee has over 20 years of experience in educational technology. She has developed award-winning products used by millions globally. Julee oversees Teach Britannica, ImageQuest, ImageQuest Jr., and LaunchPacks, and has contributed to most Britannica Education solutions.
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Kristie Bangali
Curriculum Learning Specialist
Kristie has over 20 years of experience in education. Her background includes roles as a teacher, staff developer, and administrator across K–12. She specializes in instructional design and creating flexible learning experiences. Kristie’s expertise in digital learning earned her the 2020 LHRIC TELL Award and 2021 Teacher of the Year honor.
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Christopher Heintz
Director of Customer Experience
Chris began his career in education as a high school social studies teacher in Chicago. Since then, he’s served in various roles in education management helping teachers navigate the complex world of assessments, data, and curriculum and instruction. Throughout it all, he’s been dedicated to one thing—providing teachers with the tools they need to create positive outcomes for the students in their care.
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Zachary Linnert
Curriculum Learning Specialist
Zachary, with over 18 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and consultant, leads the learning and development team in designing professional learning that champions innovative best practices, supports educators, and integrates wonder, creativity, and joy into learning.
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April Colarusso
Middle School English teacher
April Colarusso, with 22 years of middle school English teaching experience, contributed to Teach Britannica’s Academic Toolkits. She has chaired the English language arts department for grades 6–8, specializes in dynamic instruction, and promotes engagement for all learners. April has been recognized for innovative digital instruction and has mentored colleagues and presented at conferences.
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Vivian Fritzler
Instructional Designer
Vivian, director of growth and strategy at ChatENG, has contributed to Teach Britannica’s instructional strategies, graphic organizers, and lesson minis. Her background includes Teach for America, leadership in education start-ups, and curriculum development for an educational technology company acquired by Preply. She runs a consultancy specializing in curriculum development and learning design.
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Sarah Kelley-Luker
Instructional Designer
Sarah has over 10 years of experience designing learning environments for children aged 0–10, spanning toys, digital games, camps, clubs, zoos, and schools. At Britannica Education, she develops instructional strategies and materials for Teach Britannica. Her work on a preschool app earned a 2024 Webby honoree designation.
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