June 12, 2025

Dear Educator,

It is officially summer (well, at least here in San Diego!). As the new season begins, we’re embracing the opportunity to pause, rest, and rejuvenate. After a year of deep work and bold steps toward a more learner-centered future, we know that renewal isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. This week's Bright Spots highlights one of LCC's core renewal practices.

With Gratitude,

Making time for rest, reflection, and connection

Last week, our team gathered at Lone Rock Retreat for a chance to reflect on our impact, reconnect as a team, and reenergize for the journey ahead. It was also a powerful opportunity to learn alongside a few of our incredible external partners—education leaders who dream and build alongside us every day.

Together, we explored what it will take to design the future of education, grounded in our vision where all learners know who they are, thrive in community, and actively engage in the world as their best selves.

During our time together, we were reminded that this work can't be done alone. It takes trust, collaboration, creativity, time, and space to imagine what’s possible, together. As we step into summer, we hope you, too, find time to rest, reflect, and reconnect with your purpose. The path to transformation is a shared one, and we’re so grateful to walk it with such passionate, inspiring partners.

What are your personal or collective go-to practices for rest and rejuvenation? Share your stories by replying directly to this email :)

We are already gearing up for the Aurora Institute Symposium in New Orleans this October. Registration for the event, including our Pre-Conference session on "Breaking Up With Grades," is officially open. Early bird rates are good until July 31st. If joining experts in conversations on all things competency-based learning is your idea of a good time, then we hope you'll join us! Register for our Saturday Pre-Conference session and the full Symposium here.

Resources to advance your learner-centered practice

📖 Celebrating Bright Spots in Learner-Centered Education: Looking Ahead to What’s Possible. "The work ahead calls us to build on this momentum—to deepen our commitment to learner-centered education, spread promising practices, and continue co-creating systems that honor the uniqueness of every learner." Celebrate the year that was and imagine what's possible in the year to come.

🛠️ End of Year Reflection Tool: "Our End of Year Reflection Tool provides a structured approach to looking back on the year, encouraging educators to identify memorable moments, their biggest challenges, and their proudest achievements." Download this free tool.

👩‍💻 Level Up Your Learner-Centered Practice This Summer. "Our asynchronous online courses offer educators the opportunity to dive deep into learner-centered pedagogical practices and activities—on their own timeline, at their own pace." Start learning today.