February 20, 2025

Dear Educator,

In education, inspiration often comes from experience, not theory. There’s something transformative about stepping into a school where learning feels alive—where students are deeply engaged, educators are thriving, and innovative practices are shaping what’s possible for the future of public education.

Seeing is believing and school visits offer an unparalleled opportunity for leaders to move beyond abstract ideas and witness authentic learning in action. When educators walk through the doors of a school that’s reimagining learning experiences, they don’t just hear about best practices—they see them, feel them, and begin to envision how they can bring similar shifts to their communities.

By highlighting these bright spots—schools that are leading the way in learner-centered education—we create a ripple effect. Every visit sparks new ideas, builds collective momentum, and reinforces a shared belief: that meaningful, learner-centered education is not just possible—it’s already happening. Last week, we made school visits across San Diego. Explore that experience below!

With Gratitude,

Seeing is Believing: The Power of School Visits

Last week, our partners from South San Francisco USD traveled to San Diego for two days of immersive school visits, seeking inspiration for the future of learning. Guided by my colleague, Liz Perry, the experience was grounded in SSFUSD's vision for learners and their instructional priorities. We visited four different sites—each offering a unique approach to school design, culture, and what’s possible when we center learners by design.

South San Francisco educators visiting and learning from San Diego-based learner-centered schools

The most powerful takeaway wasn’t just what we saw, but how it shifted our thinking. Across 30 diverse roles—superintendent, board members, teachers, principals, and site office staff—there was a collective realization: moving from managing the status quo to creating truly learner-centered experiences is not only necessary but entirely possible.

By seeing schools where students are engaged, empowered, and at the center of their learning, the team walked away with a renewed belief in their vision and the future of public education.

Have you had the opportunity to visit other learning environments that inspired your practice? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your story!

A central focus of the conversation is Opportunity Central (OC), a groundbreaking facility in Forney ISD that integrates career pathways, college preparation, and community engagement under one roof. Dr. Terry describes how The OC reimagines school structures as a hybrid learning space, business hub, and community center, operating from morning to night to maximize learning opportunities. Get inspired by listening to this episode.

Resources to advance your learner-centered practice

👩‍💻 Design Real-World Learning Experiences. "Explore strategies such as project-based learning, design thinking, place-based learning, inquiry-based learning, passion projects and more to co-design real-world learning experiences with learners." Strat designing here.

🎥 WEBINAR: Leadership Matters: Effective Techniques to be a Learner-Centered Leader. "This session will focus on effective approaches for developing strong leaders who can drive positive change and foster a collaborative culture. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to take on a leadership role, this webinar will provide valuable insights and tools to help you succeed." Register to learn these techniques.

🛠️ Authentic Learning Matrix. "This tool is designed to support teams in developing plans for advancing learners through an Authentic Learning continuum, from connection (transactional engagements with the community) to empowerment (authenticity is embedded in learning)." Access the tool.