Testimonials

What they're saying about Change School

Change School 5 starts in early June

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Greg Owsley, STEAM Director, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, MO.

"Repleneshed my energy for real change."

"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) High School

"Challenges the core of what schools can and should be."

“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."

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."

Stephen Kendall Jones, Principal, Albany Junior HS, Aukland, NZ

"I loved every minute."

"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

"An exceptionally valuable experience."

"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.

"I can't look at anything the same way again."

"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."

Mary Jeanne Farris Change School participant

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!"

Peter-Johnston Change School Participant

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.”

Linda Ashida, Teaching and Learning Facilitator, District 214, Elk Grove Village, IL

"Energizing and encouraging!"

"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."

Eric Bohm, Principal, Pontiac High School, Pontiac, IL

"Collaboration across a global community"

"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 Central P.S., North Bend, NE

"The 'fix' I needed after a 37 year teaching career"

"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 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

"Inspiring!"

"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)

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

"Amazing Conversations"

"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)

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."

Mary Anne Moran, Assistant Principal, Nipmuc (MA) Regional High School

"Incredible!"

"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)

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.”

Hamuera Maika, 9 and 10 Boys' Head, Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae School, NZ

"A Vision for Education"

"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.”

Kimberley Jones, Vice Principal, Parkholme School, Brampton, ON

"Most Impactful Professional Learning Ever"

"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.”