Your emotions are like a shelf that holds up the “items” of your thinking. That idea is paraphrased from Mary Helen Immordino-Yang’s recent research in neuroscience, summarized in the text, Emotions, Learning, and the Brain (2016) , and it reminds us how much emotions matter for deeper learning. We put this research into action at St. Mary School in Lancaster, Ohio, on September 18, 2025. Nearly 40 teachers and staff gathered for a makerspace challenge we called “Kind Heart J

What if the annual “school year” welcome back and convocation felt like a class you never wanted to leave?  This August, incoming Superintendent, Janel Chapman, Fairbanks Local Schools, wanted to inspire the school year in an innovative way. So Kristin, from the Partnerships team, and roughly 180 teachers and staff from Fairbanks , a Partnerships school, dove into a real-world design challenge in order to feel authentic learning in action, to experience the district mission,

Empower middle schoolers to discover their strengths, explore careers, and take action with our Designing the Future curriculum for grades 6–9.

After the Summer Institute, the work deepens with our 20+ Partnership Schools. From new facilities designed for authentic learning to teacher-led cohorts, design incubators, and future-ready curriculum, each project reflects our mission to make learning irresistible and purposeful beyond academics. Explore what’s ahead for 2025‑2026.

Nearly 350 educators came together at the 2025 Summer Institute for two energizing days of connection, inspiration, and authentic learning. From powerful keynotes to hands-on sessions and creative showcases, we celebrated our shared mission to make learning irresistible and left recharged for the year ahead.

As the school year ends, we’re celebrating the incredible educators in our Partnership Districts. From student-led design to real-world learning, your work inspires over 10,000 students—and all of us. Thank you for making learning irresistible.

When Trinity Catholic middle schoolers got to “choose their own adventure” for a research project, something amazing happened. Teachers Sara Miller and Anna Schoen share how authentic learning transformed student engagement, creativity, and pride—and inspired them as educators, too.

The countdown is on for Summer Institute 2025! Join us July 9–10 as we explore “Creating Schools That Are Out of This World.” With new leadership sessions, immersive themes, and PD options—including for gifted certification—this year’s Institute promises inspiration, innovation, and community.

Designing the Future helps middle schoolers discover their strengths, explore careers, and take action to shape their world.