Every child longs to feel capable, appreciated—and even heroic. To help them grow into that vision, we must cultivate traits like responsibility, perseverance, and kindness—qualities that shape not only how students learn, but who they become.
When nurtured early, these traits can transform a child’s entire journey, in school, career and in life. Career readiness doesn’t begin with a resume. It begins with a sense of purpose, a commitment to responsibility, and a mindset for growth.
Moral character traits like empathy, responsibility, honesty and 21st century skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability don’t develop overnight. They’re nurtured through meaningful experiences—starting in the earliest years of learning.
UNYTUS is created to support you all in making that vision real. Through superhero-themed lessons, immersive classroom adventures, and community celebrations, UNYTUS helps students live out core values—not just learn about them.
Thanks to the bold leadership of Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction and many other states, there’s now a clear and inspiring roadmap to help build these habits of mind and heart—starting in kindergarten.
You’re already shaping future-ready learners. UNYTUS is here to walk alongside you, bringing that work to life in ways students will never forget.
The Foundation: Wisconsin’s “I Can” and “We Will” Statements
In 2023, Wisconsin became one of the first states to clearly define Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards beginning in early elementary. These standards provide a concrete framework for teachers to help students build essential life, career and character skills from a young age.
Unlike vague or superficial goals, these are actionable, age-appropriate, and give students a clear target.
Examples include:
- “I can demonstrate responsibility by being on time, staying on task, completing my work.
- “We will work together to solve problems and be kind to others.”
These align with what educators already know: if we want students to be emotionally resilient, socially skilled, and truly future-ready, we must start early.
It is proven in multiple studies that early development of social, emotional skills and character traits significantly improves academic performance and improves student attitudes, behavior, and classroom climate. Further, research from the Brookings Institution (Brookings, 2023) emphasizes that career readiness is not just about job skills—it includes self-regulation, collaboration, adaptability, and communication, all of which are most effectively developed when taught early and reinforced consistently.
That’s why the work you do now—at the elementary level—isn’t just foundational. It’s transformational.
Meet Responsus: A Superhero for the Modern Classroom
Our K–2 curriculum is centered around six dynamic superhero characters, each representing a core value: Responsibility, Kindness, Honesty, Perseverance, Empathy, and Respect.
Far from being forgotten after a worksheet, these values come to life through immersive adventures filled with badges, mission cards, stickers, and moments of real classroom pride.
As younger students complete Responsus’s challenges—like coming to class prepared, assisting a classmate, or staying focused—they work toward earning their superhero cape. These visible celebrations reinforce the value of positive behavior and create lasting emotional memories.
As students transition into grades 3–5, the concept of responsibility grows alongside them. In a digital world, older students must learn how to manage online behavior, balance responsibilities, collaborate effectively, and navigate peer dynamics with integrity.
In the UNYTUS framework, career readiness and character education aren’t one-time lessons, they are integrated with academics as a developmental journey that adapts to the needs of each stage.
What Educators Are Saying
Becky, the Principal at Random Lake Elementary School, was among the first to pilot UNYTUS. Her team introduced the Kindness and Honesty units in first grade.
“Our students light up when they connect with these traits through the UNYTUS superheroes. It’s meaningful, and it sticks.”
– Becky, Principal, Random Lake Elementary
The true transformation wasn’t just in the capes—it was in the language students began using with each other. One student even said, “Let’s be like Responsus today.”
That’s what happens when character becomes culture.
The Stakes Are High
Disruptive behavior is on the rise. Teachers are feeling overwhelmed. And yet, emotional safety, strong peer relationships, and internal motivation are more important than ever.
Character education alone can’t fix it. SEL programs in isolation can’t sustain it. And career readiness without foundation? It’s like giving a construction team blueprints—with no concrete.
But when these pieces come together—something powerful happens.
That’s what UNYTUS is all about.
What You Can Do Today
- Familiarize yourself with how Wisconsin’s Career Readiness Standards alongside other standards apply to your K–5 classrooms
- Don’t wait—the foundation is being poured now.
Download our free 1-page guide:
“The Building Blocks of Career Readiness in K–5”
It aligns key “I Can” statements from Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards with essential character traits and provides simple, practical classroom examples.
Because students aren’t just preparing for tests. They’re preparing for life. And life doesn’t wait.