Amanda Augustine, Assistant Principal, Seneca Valley (PA) HS
"Put a fire in my belly."
"The Change School experience is certainly unlike any other. It takes professional learning to an entirely new level - one that is deep and impactful - and truly life changing. The conversations through Change School challenge my thinking and cause me to question everything I do now. What do students need? Do our current practices match the modern context, and are students learning in powerful and meaningful ways? I am still blown away about the amount of support and resources, and plan to come back because I couldn't possibly grasp all that was offered in just 8 weeks. As a district, we are fortunate enough that a few of our administrators have attended Change School cohorts, so we can refer to our notes and playbooks and make a movement towards positive change. Every time I join a session, the fire in my belly ignites, and my passion for education and change is supported by an entire learning community of educators who share the same passion. Grateful to have been a part of Cohort 6 and looking forward to many more thought provoking conversations and questions that challenge my thinking and practice."
Lauren Than, Elementary Principal, International School of the Penninsula
"Stimulating Learning Environment"
"Through the stimulating conversation and learning environment created by Change School, I was able to not only examine my beliefs and values around education, but challenge my thinking and plan ways moving forward to build a community of change-makers surrounding me. I can't wait to continue being a part of this community and way of thinking!"
Mary Jeanne Farris, Asst. Head of Middle School, Int'l School of Brussels
"An invaluable source of inspiration and encouragement"
“Many educators acknowledge that schools need to change to remain relevant in an information rich world. Making those changes happen in a sustainable and significant way is challenging and provocative work, as it requires a shift in mindset and culture of the entire school community. Leading this can be tiring and isolating work. Then along came Change School! Change School was just the right professional learning at just the right time for me. The conversations and connections were an invaluable source of inspiration and encouragement. Sharing with others around the world who are grappling with similar issues, and learning from their experience, sustained and motivated me. I can't recommend the experience enough, even if it means getting up in the middle of the night!"
Hamuera Maika, 9 and 10 Boys' Head, Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae School, NZ
"A clear and coherent process"
"Change School provided me with a clear and coherent process for implementing change in our Kura/school. It is a true community of like-minded professionals with a vision to create the best education for us all embodying a traditional Māori proverb “Mā te tokomaha ka kā te ahi/By the many the fire will continue to burn.”
Bryan Menegoni, Assistant Principal, Hamilton-Wenham (MA) Schools
"A Great 'Time Out'"
"Change School is a great 'time-out.' It forces you to step away from what you are doing and think deeply about what learning really means in the modern world. Learning is what our profession is based on, and if we want everyone in our school community to do great work, then we need a coherent vision and definition of learning."
Karen Shiffman, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School, Beachwood, OH
"Exciting and Exhiliarating"
"Listening, learning and dialoguing with educators about educational change has been an amazing experience. Change School gave me an opportunity to connect with like minded professionals and to learn how to frame and push our institutions into a more forward thinking momentum of where education should and needs to be headed. This type of learning is exciting and exhilarating and has recharged my need to foster the same quality of conversation in my own school. Change School has opened doors to a whole new level of learning. This course is just the beginning of the journey and I encourage all educators to enter this journey as well."
Kate Lussen, Assistant Head of School, International School of the Peninsula, Palo Alto, CA
"Inspiring and Impactful"
"Change School offers such a rich array of inspiration and resources for reflection, concrete action, and long-lasting, impactful conversation. The articles and perspectives the team has curated are shared alongside provocative questions, providing all educators with the possibility of an amazing journey of inquiry into what education is and could be. It is something worth making time for, and it will make you want to make the time! "
Lisa Clark Brown, Kindergarten Teacher, Springville-Griffith (NY) School District
"Powerful Learning Experience"
"Change School has been one of the most powerful learning experiences of my career. It has led me to think differently about what it means to be a teacher (and parent), and how I can facilitate important growth with my students. I have been immersing myself in learning more about how to lead the change that I wish to see in my classroom and school. I look forward to continued involvement with the Modern Learners Community and collaborating with others to challenge the ways of traditional school."
Donna Tobey, Lower School Director, NSU University School,
Davie, FL
"A Chance to Dream Big"
"If you are looking for something to push your thinking about what we need to do now to educate students for the future, then Change School is for you. Each week, you will have the opportunity to read thought-provoking essays and articles, reflect on one’s own practices through journaling, and discuss ideas of relevance and importance with educators from around the world during online face-to-face meetings and coaching sessions. Most importantly, it is a chance to dream big and connect with people deeply committed to exploring meaningful change in schools. I am so grateful for having had the experience and look forward to continuing to be a part of the next Change School cohort."
Karyn Gray, Director of Learning, Haeata Campus, Christchurch, NZ
"I Feel at Home"
"For me as an educator and leader in New Zealand, hearing the stories of people in other countries enriched my own understanding of things that need to change in education and schooling as well as a personal determination to contribute to this locally, nationally and globally.
The focus conversations each week and then the ongoing coaching sessions were excellent, and the exploratory activities provided online promoted lots of thinking and are something I will use again and again in my work.
The community within which Change School is situated is powerful. Of the many online communities I have belonged to over the years this is finally the one in which I have been searching for and feel at home in- both for the vision the community is seeking to encourage and for the challenge to my own thinking. "
Peter Wieczorek, Director, Northwest Passage High School,
Coon Rapids, MN
"Pushed My Thinking"
"As the leader of an already very progressive school, I was a bit unsure how much I would get out of my Change School experience, but after talking with Will and Bruce several times over the last year I decided I would give it a try. Wow am I glad I did! Having the opportunity to share ideas, challenge my assumptions and push my thinking was probably the best part of Change School, but I am also excited about staying connected with a community of learners and educators who are so passionate about making a difference in education. "
Matthew Delp, Principal, Seneca Valley (PA) Intermediate HS
"One word: Powerful!"
"Change School was the most powerful learning opportunity I've been a part of in my 17 years of education. The interaction with change agents and educational leaders across the globe who are collectively focused on the need for change within our educational system, specifically a focus on learning and not the mechanism of teaching, was a unique and profound experience. In addition, the format allowed for flexible engagement with the content within the online forum that really served the busy schedules of the participants. Lastly, the online gatherings through Zoom provide a whole new level of professional development that allows you to glean from the wealth of knowledge and experience of the participants and filter your own thoughts for change within your own district. In one word...powerful."
Eric Tracy, Principal, Hamilton-Wenham (MA) High School
"Refueled my tank."
"I was at a point in my career where I was admittedly stagnant. I knew I needed a push in a new direction. Change School was more than a push. It was a shove that elicited such high level thinking that I was awake many nights thinking about the prompts from the coaches and how they applied to me, my school, and my district. I found myself constantly thinking about the weekly prompts, the zoom calls, and the interactions with other professionals experiencing the same transformation. The design of Change School initially puts you in a place of feeling like an inadequate leader, but each week is purposefully designed and supported by knowledgeable coaches to slowly build up a new confidence and knowledge of what Modern Learning looks like and what is really important for Modern Learners to be effective, life-long learners."
Christina Classen, Teacher, Colorado Springs District 11
"Never felt more supported."
"If you are considering Change School, my question is why WOULDN'T you make this investment? I have never felt more supported, encouraged, and challenged in a professional development experience. I am forever grateful for the coaching sessions and the additional connections I made during my 8 week cohort experience. I came looking for answers to my questions about "how" to make change happen. But, I am at the end of my 8 week session with so much more: understanding my personal motivations and the "why" behind the needs for systemic, sustainable change; a deeper practice of self reflection in my own practice; and a greater desire to spread the hunger for change to students, parents, teachers, school leaders, and our community at large. Perhaps the thing I MOST treasure about Change School... Lifetime Membership in a worldwide network continuing to work for learning that is in the best interest of the learning needs of future generations. They deserve the best we can imagine."
Bob Ceh, Principal, Seneca Valley (PA) High School
"Completely different view of what schools can be""
After eight weeks of change school and several months of following Modern Learners, I have a completely different view of what schools can be. While I saw the need for change, this course helped to create a picture that is accessible and has many entry points, regardless of what your current role in education may be. It has created a path that I believe can be impactful. It was well worth the time and money that was put into it, and I am really looking forward to taking advantage of the lifetime membership as my journey will last a lifetime.
Mary Nanavati, Principal, John Fraser Secondary School, Ontario
"A lifelong commitment to creating the very best learning environments for all our students"
"Change School has been an exceptional learning experience! The leaders model the creation of an outstanding modern learning environment, one that both inspires and challenges participants to do just that in their schools and in their organizations. The learning is research-based and the materials are cutting edge. The quality of the resources, the opportunity to dialogue and network with like-minded educators from around the world has been energizing. The Change School journey is just that - a lifelong commitment to creating the very best learning environments for all our students. They deserve nothing less!"
Michael Maloy, Head of Upper School, The Chapin School, NYC
"More than a map, Change School is a set of navigation principles"
"Change School has transformed my thinking on how to take action in creating the schools that our students desperately need. More than a map, Change School is a set of navigation principles that help leaders deploy strategies, initiate conversations, and move forward on making our dreams of what school can and should be a reality. For anyone interested in the future of education, Change School is the place to be!"
Kimberley Jones, Vice Principal, Parkholme School, Brampton, ON
"Challenged me to think innovatively"
"The Change School global community of education leaders and learners provoked my thinking and reflection, challenging me to think innovatively on how to move schools forward through change. My lens as an education leader has shifted: weekly provocations with coaching support challenged me mentally and very quickly changed my thinking. Inquiry and reflection driven, Change School has been without a doubt the most impactful professional learning I have experienced. I will not be able to approach conversations about student learning and what schools can and should be, as I have in the past.”
Ryan Bustle, Assistant Principal, Pontiac Township (IL) High School
"Guided me to formulate some critical thinking scenarios for our staff"
"This was my first time being a part of the Change School community. I quickly found it to be an excellent tool for me to reach out to other educators across the world and gain useful insights on topics and situations we all encounter in the field. It provided me the opportunity to not only reflect on some of my own practices as an Administrator but guided me to formulate some critical thinking scenarios for our staff as we approach a new school year. I'd definitely join again."
Dan Endorf, Superintendent, North Bend Central (NE) Schools
"Developing conversations with my school community about 'learning'"
"Change School 5 had a profound impact on the manner in which I approach my job as a school superintendent. Developing conversations with my school community about 'learning' is a seminal piece of the Change School 5 experience for me and part of my playbook for strategically developing positive change for teaching and learning in this school district. And to top it off, Will and Bruce are really smart dudes!"
Greg Owsley, STEAM Director, Rockhurst High School,
Kansas City, MO.
"Refueled my tank."
"Leading change can be an isolating activity and requires an incredible amount of emotional, physical and intellectual energy. Change School replenishes this energy and fuels teachers, administrators, and other educational change leaders. The Change School experience will help me create an educational environment then will benefit the students in my community."
Mark Heintz, Divisional Technology Coach,Elk Grove (IL) HS
"Connected me to a powerful global network."
“I found an ever expanding global network of people that will empower me for the rest of my life. Each week challenges the core of what schools can and should be, while giving the energy and tools needed to enact change. I have never met a group of people more dedicated to children's learning, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of that community and dedication."
Barbara Ward, Primary School Teacher, Wooranna Park,
Melbourne, AU
"Empowered my own journey."
"Change School was a open conversation that allowed me to feel empowered on my own journey to change in my school. I loved being able to connect with others world wide and share what my school has done and to also learn and listen to others and the different ways we can make change in schools. I especially loved the focus sessions which had great prompts, but then loved the explorations to continue the thinking process."
Janine Irvine, Principal, Cornwall Park School, Auckland, NZ
"Challenging conversations forced me to move forward"
"Change School was just what I needed to re-energise myself, after leading my school for 8 years. The challenging conversations forced me to move forward, both my thinking, as well as my deliberate acts of leadership relating to my school context. Being a school leader can be a lonely place and one of the best things was being connected with like-minded colleagues, across the world who are facing similar challenges. A great network that I intend to be part of moving forward. Highly recommend it!!"
Stephen Kendall Jones, Principal, Albany Junior HS, Auckland, NZ
"No longer a lone voice."
"I have long felt like a lone voice in the wilderness, when it comes to modern learning. The Change School interactions allowed me to develop my own thoughts through discourse with like minded professionals from around the world. The co-creation of my playbook, along with the Change School team's gentle provocations, was exhilarating and solidified my ideas and my planning towards improvement. Whilst my brain hurt often, I loved every minute."
Robert Lompart, Acting Principal, Judith Nyman Sec. School, Brampton, ON
"Relevant, peer-reviewed resources."
"The most provocative conversation about what is important in education that I have had in my 25 year career as an educator. Having a place to connect with education leaders from around the world, to have access to peer reviewed resources and time to discuss what matters about making education relevant for the 21 st C. has made this program an exceptionally valuable experience."
Nicole Bottomley, Principal, Holliston High School, Holliston, MA.
"Transformed my thinking."
"Participating in ChangeSchool has been the most significant professional development experience I have ever been part of and has transformed my thinking as a school leader. The experience to connect with so many passionate change leaders all over the world was a privilege. In one of my posts early on I had written, “I feel like the curtain had been pulled back in the Wizard of Oz and I can’t look at or hear anything the same again…” I am thankful for this opportunity and thankful to have so many new ideas that will result in students having more of a say in their learning environment."
Jessie Schlipp, Co-Director/Learning Guide, Benedicite Education, Wentzville, MO
"Got Me Out of My Comfort Zome"
"My Change School experience inspired me to dive deeper into my own beliefs, values, and assumptions of what learning and education is, and can be if we work together. The sessions encouraged me to keeping pushing towards goals, even if they are in the distant future. The resources reminded me how important it is to get out of my comfort zone, and rekindled my own love of learning. I greatly appreciate the diverse perspectives, ideas, and information that was shared through this community. Modern Learners Community has become my favorite social platform! "
Peter Johnston, Principal, SAIL K - 12, Vancouver, BC
"Timely, tangible and a lifelong professional learning resource"
"Change School has been the best professional learning, development, and networking I have participated in my 25 years in education. If you want to be introduced to the latest educational research and thought-provoking educational issues, Change School is for you. In times of teacher shortages and extraordinarily stressful times on school administrators, Change School offers you Professional Learning and Development that is a timely, tangible and a lifelong professional learning resource.”
Mary Anne Moran, Co-Principal, Nipmuc (MA) Regional High School
"Concrete strategies for change"
"Imagine getting the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the globe who are like-minded in the sense of changing the paradigm of education. Imagine becoming part of a community where you are engaging in conversations that not only challenge your thinking but give you concrete strategies to implement change in your school community. I am excited to use the resources and supports gained through Change School to begin the journey of reimagining school in my own community."
(2016 Massachusetts Assistant Principal of the Year)
(2016 Massachusetts Assistant Principal of the Year)
Eric Bohm, Principal, Pontiac High School, Pontiac, IL
"Allowed me to live my mission."
"Change School has given me the opportunity to live the mission statement of my high school. Through my participation I have been able to model being an adaptive learner, global thinker, and responsible citizen. All of this was done through collaboration across a global community. This has been an experience that has helped me emphasize the focus of learning as an educational leader."
Bob Feurer, Board of Ed Member, North Bend (NE) Central P.S.
"An international dose of passion."
"Change School was the "fix" I needed after a 37 year teaching career; an international dose of passion from engaged and enlightened educators. I excitedly awaited each ZOOM session for thought provoking exchanges. CS will fuel my thinking as a school board member throughout my tenure around that table.."
Rick Pardo, Learning Coord. - Culture of Innovation,
Thames Valley (ON) DSB
"A community for better learning."
"As someone experimenting with widespread change in public education for a while now I appreciate the sincere effort that Change School is making to build community. I left each Change "School discussion with both more to do and more energy to do it. This was a place where I could hear myself think. At Change School we iterate. We rely on one another to build a language, a voice and a community for better learning. I look forward to coming 'back to the well' to refresh and replenish."
Allison Duwe, Board of Education President, Springville, NY
"I no longer feel alone...or crazy!"
“Burdened by bureaucracy, our schools spend too much time focusing on the wrong things. I first ran for school board because I didn't believe that our district had a vision for its future. I believed that kids deserved more, that creativity and curiosity were being stifled. I believed these things but felt alone. Change School gave me resources, language, support, and a connection to a community of restless learners and innovators. I no longer feel crazy. To be relevant and impactful, education in our public schools needs a serious reimagining. If you, on some level, know this to be true, then Change School is for you.”
Laura Henderson, Founder and CEO of Epiphany Learning
"A tribe of change agents."
"Change School has created an interactive learning experience unlike anything I have ever participated in. This is an opportunity to engage with leaders from around the world giving you perspectives and relationships that are otherwise difficult to find."
Esme Capp, Principal, Princes Hill Primary School, Melbourne, AU
"Unique learning experience."
"Change School is a unique modern learning experience which connects and challenges leaders engaging in reimagining education. The passion, knowledge, and experience of the coaches is inspiring and what they have conceptualised and created together is exciting, it cleverly supports and provokes change in education."
John Clements, Principal, Nipmuc (MA) Regional High School
"Access to a community of mentors."
"Change School has been one of the most powerful experiences of my career as an educator and leader. I've gained access to a community of mentors from across the globe who have helped me to challenge past practice, to reaffirm the importance of embracing modern learning, and to inspire me to be a leader of change."
(2017 Massachusetts Principal of the Year)
(2017 Massachusetts Principal of the Year)
Todd Smith, Supervisor of Instructional Tech. Boardman, (OH) Schools
"Life changing"
"The Change School Experience has re-invigorated my passion for education and technology, and it has encouraged me to take inventory of where I am on my professional journey and also where our school district is on its journey. The Change School online synchronous discussions are built directly into my calendar and I arrange my life around them, I would highly recommend this experience to anyone that is looking to make a change within their school system."
Jonathan Field, Secondary Principal, United World College Thailand
"Creates a tangible way forward."
"Eight weeks full of conversations, provocations, and reflections that force you to examine the very core of who you are as an educator while providing the support structures you need to define your next steps in driving modern learning in your schools. Change School has provided a tangible way forward that gives me hope that a fundamental change in how we do school can both actually happen and succeed."
Ann Marie Corgill, Teacher, Birmingham, AL
"Transformational"
"This past eight weeks has been one of the greatest learning opportunities of my professional career. Connecting online with inspiring leaders from around the world has pushed my thinking and given me a new vision for modern learning and what’s possible in schools and classrooms today. I will go back to the classroom energized and ready share this work with colleagues and the learners in my care."
(2015 National Teacher of the Year Finalist)
(2015 National Teacher of the Year Finalist)
Bryan Glover, Director of School Renewal, NY, NY
"Challenged my assumptions."
"With the help of the Change School community, I have been digging more deeply into my beliefs about learning, challenging my assumptions, and building a more thoughtful vision for what school can be. I am looking at the purpose of school in our modern contexts to make it more meaningful for all members of the school community, but especially more meaningful for the students we serve."
Randy Ziegenfuss, Superintendent, Salisbury Township (PA) Schools
"The best learning you'll find."
"Designing new forms of school for modern learners is challenging and vital work. At Change School, you’ll find like-minded learners, leaders and coaches to help you take your leadership and learning to the next level. Not a course, but a model for modern learner schools supported by a community rich in curiosity, conversation and feedback."
Lucio Padilla, Jr:, Dir. of Instructional Technology, Calexico (CA) Schools
"No expiration date!"
“Change School is a unique experience that provides a caring community in which to build your capacity to lead powerful change that will benefit students. It's designed to help you reflect, design, prepare and share with the guidance of leading experts and support from educational leaders from across the world. It is about learning and with a membership that doesn’t have an expiration date."
Mel Cashen, Lead Teacher, Melbourne, AU
"A wonderful opportunity"
"Change School was a wonderful opportunity to connect with like minded educators who are all inspired to change our schools and how we define education. I was able to hear many different strategies, thinking and challenges facing people and how we can lead change in our own schools. And each week I had something I could actually do back at my school to enact this change."
Linda Ashida, Teaching and Learning Facilitator, District 214,
Elk Grove Village, IL
"Renewed my faith!"
"The learning, challenge, and community of this group is like none I have experienced before; it is energizing and encouraging, and renews my faith that individually and collectively we can effect change."
Charlie Gramatges, Head of Middle School, Presbyterian School, Houston, TX
"Sparks a sense of urgency"
"Change School connects me to other great thinkers in education who seek to redefine school via actionable steps and processes that dynamically benefit the student in our schools. This program sparks a sense of urgency to improve my own leadership style while I learn ways to mobilize those around me, building an even greater educational environment.”
Susan Rizzo, Director of Instructional Technology, Park Hill (KS) Schools
"Empowering!"
"Change School provides a community of educators that are ready to take the steps necessary to totally CHANGE the way we do school. Thought provoking guidance from great leaders and supportive collaboration with others is empowering beyond any class, conference or professional development that I have participated in my 25 years in education."
Anthony Edwards, Superintendent, Peel School Board, Toronto ON
"Provocative!"
"Rarely are we as educators challenged to develop, articulate, defend and act upon our own beliefs about learning in a meaningful manner. Change School did that for me! Through a mix of provocation and inspiration, I now feel prepared to provide leadership that is impactful on the lives of my students and staff.”
Steve Freedman, Headmaster, Hillel Day School, Bloomfield, MI
"Exactly what I needed."
"For anyone who believes and knows that schools must change to meet the needs of today’s modern learners, then this is for you! Change School has enabled me to meet great educators from all over the world who are committed and are doing the hard work of real change.
Kimberly Moritz, Superintendent, Springville-Griffith School District (NY)
"Making a real difference."
“In ways I’ve not previously experienced, Change School has pushed my thinking and helped me to define a way forward as a leader that will help me to make the real difference I’ve tried to get at for the entirety of my career. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more excited about my work than I am now.”
Will Richardson, Co-Founder, Change School
"Best work I've ever done!""
"I know...this is my creation (with others), so I'm a bit biased. But believe me when I say that Change School has turned out to be the best work I've ever done in my over 40 years in education. It's changed me. And it's consistently been a powerful learning experience in my life. I humbly and sincerely hope you'll join us.”