Overview

In partnership with the Learning Policy Institute, Learner-Centered Collaborative hosted a four-part webinar series that explores how school design can create learning ecosystems where all students know who they are, thrive in community, and actively engage in the world as their best selves. Through stories from school and district leaders nationwide, the series provides practical strategies and frameworks for leaders ready to take on the challenge of redesigning schools for a more learner-centered future.

Across the four conversations, leaders gained insights into:

• Building the case for redesign – why now is the moment to center learners and learning by design, and how to engage stakeholders in that vision.
• Mapping your ecosystem – identifying community assets, learner strengths, and existing structures to build from rather than start from scratch.
• Designing for change – making “Big Moves” across six school design structures to intentionally support learner-centered practices.
• Planning for impact – turning ideas into actionable next steps, with clear visions, collaborative processes, and systems of accountability to sustain change.

Questions Explored

• Why is now the time to redesign schools, and how do we build urgency for change?
• How can leaders leverage assets and community voices to guide the design process?
• What are the “Big Moves” that lead to evolutionary change in schools?
• How do we move from vision to action with measurable, lasting impact?

Why Learner-Centered School Design Matters

At Learner-Centered Collaborative, we believe school design is about intentionally creating the conditions where whole-learner outcomes can flourish. These webinars showcase leaders who are navigating this journey in real time, offering inspiration and practical pathways for others ready to make learner-centered school design a reality in their communities.

Bookmark and Watch the Recordings

• Session 1: Building the Case for Redesign – with Dr. Bryanna Norton (Principal, Escondido Union School District, CA) and Eric Chagala (Assistant Superintendent, Vista Unified School District, CA)
• Session 2: Mapping Your Ecosystem – with Benjie Walker (Principal, Vista Unified School District, CA) and Catina Hancock (Learner-Centered Collaborative)
• Session 3: Design for Change – with Carmen Sanders (Executive Director of Instructional Support, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA) and Wendy Fairon (Executive Director, Chico Country Day School, CA)
• Session 4: Planning for Impact – with Denise Espania (School Director, Mālama Honua Public Charter School, HI) and Michael Anderson (Principal, Colorado Springs School District 11, CO)

Interested in confidently (re)designing schools in ways that bring your community’s learner-centered vision to life? Connect with us to learn how we can support your team with a clear and scalable design process.