Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
When educators share with me what they want most for their learning communities, a theme that often comes up is the desire for a culture that puts people first – that fosters trust and connection, empowers people with resources and support, and inspires all learners to actively engage in their own learning.
In this week’s issue of Bright Spots, I am excited to share an example of what’s possible when we design learning communities with people at the center. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Warmly, Katie
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Life at VIDA – Celebrating Who Learners Are and What They Can Do
Vista Innovation & Design Academy (VIDA) is a school and team that is near and dear to my heart. Under the leadership of Devin Vodicka, CEO of Learner-Centered Collaborative, and VIDA’s founding principal, my dear friend Eric Chagala, the VIDA team created a school “that they would want their own kids to go to.” VIDA provides a strong example of the reality that a school’s culture, which everyone helps to create, contributes to how teachers see their role and the impact they have on students. Learn more
The learner-centered culture at VIDA didn’t appear by chance. Dr. Chagala worked actively with his team to create norms and practices that put people first and empower everyone to learn, develop, and grow.
How might you put people and interpersonal connections first in your learning community? Let’s discuss your goals!
Below are some resources to support you in building school cultures that celebrate who people are and what they can do.
1. Read more about Dr. Chagala and VIDA in a chapter that I was honored to contribute to George Couros’ new book, Because of a Teacher – coming this Saturday! An amazing curation of stories about the power of what we do as educators, Because of a Teacher is a must-read.
2. Explore the new school models that our team helped curate for the Texas Learning Exchange Project to gain additional insight into what a learner-centered culture can look like.
3. Read my blog post on prioritizing interpersonal connection over content to access best practices for creating a culture that puts people first.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How have you put people and interpersonal connections first in your learning community?Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!
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Learner-Centered Collaborative, 49 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
