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Creating Schools That Are Out Of This World!

Embrace the mission of discovery and exploration!

Join us for two transformative days, July 9–10, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. Together, let’s ignite a passion for deeper learning, as we reimagine education, reconnect with the joy of teaching, and empower students to change the world!

Shape the future. Inspire change. Be part of the journey!

2025 Summer Institute

2025 SUMMER INSTITUTE

FOR AUTHENTIC LEARNING & LEADERSHIP
JULY 9–10

2025 Keynote Speakers

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Erin Gruwell

Founder Freedom Writers Foundation

Daneé Pinckney

2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year

George Philhower

Superintendent of Eastern Hancock County Schools, Indiana

Peter Kahn

Educator, Poet, and Project Creator

Featured Presenters

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Buddy Berry

Eminence KY Schools

dynamic and innovative superintendent — an annual Summer Institute favorite!

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Donte Woods-Spikes

Author & Professional Speaker

storyteller, artist, and educator

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Paul Propster

NASA

NASA Story Architect

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Susan Kohler

NASA

NASA Education Specialist

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Maureen McFarland

Kent State University

accomplished practitioner of authentic learning in STEM, space science, and aeronautical engineering

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Annalies Corbin

PAST Foundation

expert in STEM, authentic learning, and school Transformation

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Missy McClain

Akron Children’s Hospital

accomplished practitioner of strategies to  enhance student and staff wellness

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Steve Shapiro

Consultant

expert on connections between authentic learning and students’ mental health and sense of purpose

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Angus Fletcher and Sarah Lagrotteria 

Ohio State University & JustBloom School

experts in the theory and practice of storythinking, a new and authentic approach to intelligence and creativity

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Jenny Roe and Eryn Barwinski 

Imagination Station, Toledo

STEAM education experts who especially love space science and will be bringing—get ready for it—a  portable planetarium to help our participants experience authentic learning under the stars!

About the Event

Bring a team (or just yourself) on July 9–10, 2025, for two inspiring days filled with hope, creativity, collaboration, and innovation where we reimagine education, reconnect with the joy of teaching, and empower students to change the world!

This K–12 conference will help you:

  • envision authentic learning and leadership;

  • be inspired by the work of others;

  • experience authentic instructional strategies;

  • and commit to next steps.

Most importantly, you’ll find ways to help students connect intellectually and emotionally with their own learning.

Registration Rates

  • Early Bird Registration is available until 4/18/25 for $350.

  • General Admission (after 4/19/25) -- $450

  • Pre-service Educator -- $100 (with ticket code provided to registrant by Partnerships)

  • Teams of 15 or more -- $375 each (purchase order only)

  • Teams of 40 or more -- $350 each (purchase order only)

  • Confirmed Breakout Presenter -- $350 (with ticket code provided to presenter by Partnerships)

 
Refunds and Cancellations

Cancellations received up to ten (10) business days prior to the date of the conference will receive a full refund, minus any credit card processing fees if applicable. Cancellations received less than 10 business days prior to the event will have an additional $50 administrative fee, on top of any credit card processing fees. Individuals who register and are "no shows" will pay the full registration.

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“Thank you so much for such a wonderful conference. This Institute was SO INSPIRING! And absolutely just what I needed to restore my faith in why I truly love this profession.”

—2023 Summer Institute Attendee

Time & Location

July 9–10, 2025

8:30 AM–4:30 PM EDT

Upper Arlington High School

1625 Zollinger Road

Columbus, OH 43221, USA

2023 Institute Recap

2024 Institute Recap

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