“Educators as Designers: Why Wait to Innovate?” is a response to our conversations with a wide range of people about their desire to stay positively and creatively engaged in the work of being an educator amidst the many competing demands, challenges, and pressures inherent in the field today.

During this highly experiential and interactive 3-day experience you will learn a variety of tools, including Design Thinking, that are intended to help you function as a wholeminded~wholehearted designer in your practice. You will learn what it means to develop a culture of creative thinking in your work as an educator through experiences collaborating with others, applying strategies for generating, capturing and developing your ideas, and making your thinking visible to others.

We will also investigate the Framework for 21st Century Learning that says, in part:
“Learning and Innovation Skills: Learning and innovation skills increasingly are being recognized as the skills that separate students who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century, and those who are not. A focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration is essential to prepare students for the future.”

• Empower you with a variety of tools and experiences to address the challenges you face in your practice.
• Develop your ability to think like a designer and apply the Design Thinking process originated at the Stanford School of Design.
• Help you develop and maintain a growth mindset about your identity as an educator.
• Provide you with an environment and community to inspire your work moving forward.

This course takes place at The Wholemindesign Studio for Teaching and Learning, located in a beautiful setting on the edge of the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. Indoor and outdoor spaces in this natural environment provides participants with a rejuvenating backdrop for their work.

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  “I used the Design Thinking process in my PBL unit and it worked wonderfully! I am at A2 STEAM in 1st grade. My unit was based on patterns of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, and using their knowledge of the patterns of the sun to design a structure for their playground that could protect them from UV light. For my first graders who struggle with working well with others, it was miraculous! It really helped my kids with their 21st century skills! Thank you for giving me the ideas!”

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  Teacher, Ann Arbor

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  “Thank you so much for the opportunity to share 3 amazing days with such resourceful, lovely, and professional people. I have learned so much from everyone - far beyond Design Thinking.”

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  Teacher, an International Baccalaureate School

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  “The space was so beautiful and welcoming. It's a very conducive space for any kind of learning!”

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  Teacher, Ypsilanti

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  “Thank you again for a great experience. I learned so much from about the content and the facilitation of the session. I appreciate the care and thought you put into every aspect of this workshop.”

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  Educator, Oakland University

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  “I am excited by our end prototype!”

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  Teacher, Brighton Area

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  “I loved the small number of teachers and the diversity of experiences.”

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  Teacher, Dearborn Public Schools

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  “Thank you for a transformative experience these past three days. Having planned multiple day learning experiences, I appreciate the all-consuming amount of planning and preparation you must have invested to make the experience so valuable to us.”

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  Principal, Oakland County

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  “The rejuvenation was so incredible. Being cared for is such a delight.”

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  Educator, University of Michigan

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  “When I was at the Wholemindesign studio, I was very much living in the present. I don't think I checked my phone for the time once, and yet every day the time flew by!”

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  Teacher, Detroit

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  “The space was so beautiful and welcoming. It's a very conducive space for any kind of learning!”

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  Teacher, Ypsilanti

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  “You created a wonderful experience and I can honestly say it was the most meaning training I've attended in my professional career.”

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  Teacher, Romulus

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  “It has been a true pleasure to be part of EaD|WW2i. Your efforts, wisdom and attention to details are appreciated!”

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  Teacher, Brighton Area Schools