Hi! We’re inquirED.
inquirED works to support every teacher with high-quality instructional materials that make inquiry-based learning possible for every student.
Our mission is
inquiry for every student
Teachers and instructional leaders want classrooms that are rigorous and joyful. They want learning that leads to standards mastery and transfers to the real world. But most instructional materials don’t meet this complex challenge. Instead, educators are forced to choose: rigorous or joyful, academic or applicable. inquirED’s instructional materials support educators in navigating that complexity. Together, we make joyful, rigorous, and transferable learning possible for every student.
Like all good stories in education, inquirED’s started in a classroom
Shanti Elangovan founded inquirED with a clear vision: to bring inquiry-based learning to every classroom.
As a former teacher and curriculum leader, she saw firsthand how traditional instruction often left students disengaged, and how inquiry sparked curiosity, deepened knowledge-building, and transformed learning.
But she also knew that teachers needed more than inspiration. They needed well-designed materials that made inquiry doable, not daunting. That’s why she launched inquirED: to support teachers, schools, and districts with high-quality materials that make joyful, rigorous, and transferable learning possible for every student.
Today, that vision lives on in classrooms across the country, where inquirED’s materials spark curiosity, build deep knowledge, and connect learning to the real world. For Shanti—and for inquirED—inquiry isn’t the end goal. It’s the starting point for deeper understanding and lifelong learning.
How we work
01
We are fiercely passionate.
We believe in the power of our work, are infinitely optimistic about its potential, and humbled by the weight of our goals. We keep students, teachers, and their communities at the center of everything.
02
We take responsibility.
We do work we are proud of, act with agency, and take responsibility for all aspects of the work. We hustle, struggle, and then hustle some more. We own our mistakes, ask for and offer support, and solve problems.
03
We check our egos.
We collaborate with trust, humility and empathy, listen intently, and laugh as much as possible. We believe in the immense abilities of each individual, debate vigorously, and make it about the work.
04
We are unfinished.
We take risks, embrace imperfection, and challenge assumptions. We give, receive, and seek courageously honest feedback and stay nimble enough to act – even when it means starting over.
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Meet our team
We are on a mission to engage students and support teachers by making inquiry-based learning possible in every classroom.
Shanti
Elangovan
CEO and Founder
Shanti
Elangovan
CEO and Founder
Shanti Elangovan is the founder and CEO of inquirED. She founded inquirED to help ensure all students, regardless of geography or circumstance, have the opportunity to engage in high-quality inquiry-based learning. As a former elementary school classroom teacher and instructional coach, Shanti believes deeply in high-quality instructional materials that provide both the professional learning and support teachers need to bring inquiry to life in their classrooms. Shanti holds an M.Ed. from Teachers College and an MBA from the University of Iowa.
What’s your inquiry?
How can every child access the same kind of education that I’d want for my children?
Elisabeth Ventling
Simon
Chief Academic Officer and Co-Founder
Elisabeth Ventling
Simon
Chief Academic Officer and Co-Founder
Elisabeth is an ardent educator committed to advancing equity in education, driven by her belief in the transformative potential of high-quality instructional materials, student-centered content, and teacher empathy. With a career spanning over 16 years in public education, she witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact of rigorous, inquiry-based learning on student engagement and achievement. Elisabeth's vision is one where every student, regardless of their background, enjoys equal access to the resources and opportunities necessary for success in both school and civic life. This vision propels her work as Chief Academic Officer at inquirED, where she has been a member of the team since the fall of 2017.
What’s your inquiry?
How can education prepare students to impact their world for the better?
Michael
Weaver
Product Manager
Michael
Weaver
Product Manager
For more than 15 years, Michael has worked as a proofreader, copy editor, and developmental editor for the likes of DIRECTV, WarnerMedia, and AT&T. He takes great pride in helping to create engaging, clear, and error-free content. Michael is thrilled to be in the innovative world of inquiry-based learning, where his work will positively impact the lives of so many students and teachers. Michael began working with inquirED in 2018, and officially joined the team in the fall of 2020.
What’s your inquiry?
How can we become more discerning consumers and purveyors of information?
Alexandra
Wheeler
Head of Sales
Alexandra
Wheeler
Head of Sales
Prior to joining inquirED in April 2023, Allie spent 10 years in the edtech sector, building partnerships with school and district leaders. She believes in taking a consultative sales approach that seeks to understand the unique needs and goals of a district in order to help educators find solutions that can best support them with their challenges and initiatives. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Elon University and a Master's Degree in Education Policy from The George Washington University.
What’s your inquiry?
How do we engage students in a way that fosters a love of learning?
LaKethia
White
PD & Learning Lead
LaKethia
White
PD & Learning Lead
LaKethia began her journey as an educator as a Teach for America corps member in Brooklyn, NY. Later, she was a founding teacher of three schools before becoming a teacher leadership coach for the New York City Department of Education, where she led teacher teams through rounds of inquiry and action research. To grow her skills as a leader, she earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. LaKethia's enthusiasm for inquiry as a vehicle for learning grew as a finalist in the New Venture Fund and XQ new school competitions. She joined the inquirED team in 2021 to marry her passions for coaching and inquiry.
What’s your inquiry?
How might we educate for liberation?
Erin
Wilson
Curriculum Editor
Erin
Wilson
Curriculum Editor
Erin joined the inquirED team in the fall of 2021 after working as a proofreader in the scholarly publishing industry for five years. She holds a BA in English from the University of Kansas, and she has experience proofreading a wide variety of peer-reviewed academic journals. Erin is very excited to now be working with the inquirED team to create an inquiry-based curriculum that is accessible and relevant to all students.
What’s your inquiry?
Erin joined the inquirED team in the fall of 2021 after working as a proofreader in the scholarly publishing industry for five years. She holds a BA in English from the University of Kansas, and she has experience proofreading a wide variety of peer-reviewed academic journals. Erin is very excited to now be working with the inquirED team to create an inquiry-based curriculum that is accessible and relevant to all students.
Take a closer look at Inquiry Journeys
Inquiry Journeys (K–5 social studies curriculum) provides inquiry-based instruction for young learners through hands-on investigations and primary source analysis. Explore how elementary students build knowledge and skills by asking questions, analyzing evidence, and connecting learning to their lives and communities.
