Bright Spots: 60 Educators Gather for a Year of Learning
Dear Educator,
October is one of the busiest months for our team supporting partners who are deep into the work to realize their learner-centered visions. It has been rejuvenating to come together to listen, learn, and deepen expertise to impact learners!
As my colleague, Brittany Griffin, shared in her recent blog, “Shifting to a learner-centered model is no small feat. It requires fundamental changes in how we view teaching, learning, and the roles of educators and students. A community-based approach to change can provide the structure and ongoing support necessary for success.”
Bringing together leaders from around the country to explore new models always inspires new insights and inspiration. This week, I am excited to highlight our fall in-person convening with our 2nd Connections Leadership Cohort.
With Gratitude,
P.S. 50+ education leaders from around the country are joining our Pre-Conference Workshop at the Aurora Institute Symposium on November 2nd! Will you be one of them? Learn more and register here.
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Connections Leadership Cohort Fall Gathering
Last week, Learner-Centered Collaborative hosted the first of two in-person visits with 60 leaders from diverse schools and districts across the country. With a focus on authentic learning, we explored various learning spaces that offer youth unique and meaningful experiences.
The school visits kicked off at Encinitas Union School District’s Farm Lab, where students were deeply engaged in thoughtfully designed projects aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and the Encinitas Portrait of a Learner. As leaders explored the space, they started reimagining how learning environments could be leveraged to broaden opportunities for their communities, providing experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom and empower learners.
A highlight of the day was the student panel, where students shared how joy and belonging are central to their experience. They spoke about how they’re developing critical skills to become empowered learners, wellness advocates, effective communicators, and productive collaborators.
The day concluded with a visit to Mission Vista High School, which offers a wide array of electives and pathways to ensure every student can pursue courses that align with their strengths, interests, and talents.
On day two, we visited STEM Aviation Academy, an industry partner that emphasized the growing need for careers in aviation, including pilots and mechanics. Exploring the planes while hearing about aviation career pathways broadened my own perspective—and it was a lot of fun!
In between these site visits, I loved the moments of connection and inspiration on the bus, walking the beach, and sitting at dinner where teams shared what they would be taking back to their communities. These visits continue to inspire new ways to provide transformative learning experiences for youth (and the leaders that serve them)!
In what ways are you getting out in the community and learning from learner-centered educators and industry experts? Share your story here.
NEW FROM LEARNER-CENTERED COLLABORATIVE
?? See Me, Know Me, Grow Me: Personalizing Learning for Learner Agency and Success. "To truly see our students, we must give them the space to develop agency, show us what is important to them, and allow them to take ownership of how and what they learn." Dive in.
?? Centering Learners by Design: Shaping the Future of Education. "By redesigning public schools around the principles of flexibility, personalization, and community engagement, we can build a system where every student has the opportunity to succeed." Read our Featured Article in Getting Smart
??? WEBINAR: Creating Coherence and Aligning Systems Towards a Learner-Centered Vision. "Learn how to create a cohesive roadmap that aligns your entire organization towards common goals. We'll explore techniques for identifying key priorities, setting actionable objectives, aligning success metrics, and fostering a shared vision." Register here.
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