Year 3 REWIND
In 2022-2023, folks were hungry for provocation + optimism.
This year we gathered hundreds of education leaders across the year. We explored models from our own backyards and from the far reaches of the globe. We tested new approaches, including our first cohort experience focused on diverse fields outside of education. And that just scratches the surface. Read on.
By the numbers
382
Education leaders signed up for inspiration this year
25
Powerful organizations and leaders spotlighted across the field trip and cohort
90%
Of participants would recommend the experience to a peer
THIS YEAR,WE explored Six Themes…
Click on the theme to learn more and check out the featured guests!
… And showcased remarkable guests
Field trips introduced participants to 19 learning approaches from around the world that are pushing the boundaries in K-12 schools and beyond, including:
KSMoCA joined us to share how they remix the museum model by engaging young people with internationally renowned contemporary artists and workshops.
Chicago Freedom School joined us to spotlight their work supporting young people to take action for justice in their own lives and communities.
Kanuikapono Public Charter School highlighted their approach to helping young people to honor and explore Hawaiian heritage.
Professor Noriyuki Inoue joined us from Waseda University to share how teachers use Japanese Lesson Study to sharpen their practice, and what US-based educators can learn from this collaborative approach to professional learning.
The field trips were just the start
We designed and commissioned custom resources to activate thinking
Before EACH OTHER, a field trip focused on peer-to-peer learning, we invited participants to learn with a friend or colleague through this interactive conversation guide.
We commissioned art to capture the spirit of the theme
This is a piece by Bertha Otoya, which was showcased for DISABILITY field trip. Bertha is an artist with Creativity Explored, a coalition of developmentally disabled artists.
And we curated syllabi to encourage further exploration
Each session was accompanied by a list of articles, books, and organizations to further explore the theme — like this book for “teenage anarchy” that was shared alongside the YOUTH power field trip.
We also launched new offerings
This spring, we piloted the Inspired Leader Cohort. Alongside 13 education leaders — ranging from school leaders to non-profit executives — we convened across 10-weeks to seek inspiration from far outside the education field.
For example, what can Benjamin Von Wong, a “trash artist,” teach us about curiosity? Or what can Sister Helen Prejean, who has been fighting for the abolition of the death penalty for more than 40 years, teach us about sustainability?
Alison Kerr, Cohort Member
“The ten weeks in this fellowship have been the disruptive and immersive experience I didn’t know I needed. It has provided me with nourishing ways to stay focused, inspired, and sustained in the work that I do. It has also created a clearing, where I have found new courage to shift patterns in my leadership that I’ve held for so long.”
The leaders who joined us this year were clear:
INSPIRATION IS NOT A LUXURY*
“The Inspiration Project is a really amazing opportunity to collectively learn, engage, process, and grow with others. This experience has encouraged (and lovingly) forced me to think about the world around me differently and more expansively.”
*Inspired by Audre Lorde’s “Poetry is Not A Luxury”
Heather Chadwick
Directer of Risk + Compliance,
Teach For America
“I think its very original, collaborative, and thinking beyond what PD is. There is an instructional piece to it but its done in a digestible way that doesn't feel like you're getting PD. Especially because its so engaging.”
Belem Hererra
Fellowship + Grants Coordinator
Opportunity 180
“I really enjoyed the experience and appreciated the time and resources that everyone put into this. I am definitely going to run with everything I learned and work to reestablish a culture in my classroom that is equitable and empowers my students to excel academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.”
Ashley El Youssfi
6th Grade Science Teacher
Maureen Joy Charter School
“The Liberated Kids session kind of broke my brain in great ways and pushed me to think about the expansiveness of learning.”
Anonymous
Feedback from the YOUTH field trip
Help Shape WHAT’s NEXT…
These experiences would not be possible without this incredible community of participants, guest organizations and sponsors.
We are actively building out the plan for the 23-24 series. Have ideas or input on themes? Share them here.