As educators, we expand the reach of our classrooms when we create inclusive and welcoming environments that invite students to apply their learning in novel ways. Our evidence-based teaching strategies allow students to scaffold their learning and see deep connections between different organizational levels and subfields of biology. Not only do we strive to create meaningful learning experiences within the classroom, but our scholarship and service shape our students’ broader educational experiences. In this talk, I will describe strategies that I have used to create more inclusive learning communities both at the University of Washington and in my previous faculty position. I will also describe past and current projects that have expanded (or will expand) the boundaries of the classroom for my students.