Creating radical change in the classroom through transformative professional development for teachers
13/08/2026
Resources for the week ahead! đź“š
Looking for a simple way to help students think about autonomy and growing independence?
This reflection sheet and community-building activity gives students space to explore how they experience autonomy in their own lives—and how their peers experience it, too.
A small activity can open up a big conversation. Find this resource and more through the link in our bio!
11/08/2026
Autonomy matters at every age. We all want a say in what happens to us—and our students are no different.
Even within the structure of school, small, meaningful choices can help students build confidence, ownership, and agency as learners.
Swipe through for 5 simple ways to create more opportunities for autonomy in your classroom. Then check out the link in our bio for more ways to support your learners’ needs.
The ABCDE of Learner Needs isn't just a framework for understanding students—it's a powerful planning tool for creating learning spaces where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to speak up.
In this week's Hooray for Monday episode, Brady Maiden shares how the ABCDEs have helped shape and refine our Speak Truth program, creating brave spaces where students build the confidence and skills to lead meaningful conversations. As they prepare to step into a new school year, these young leaders are ready to spark dialogue, foster connection, and make their voices heard.
Have you listened to this week's episode yet? 🎧 Take a listen, then tell us: Which of the ABCDEs will you prioritize in your classroom or learning community this year?
06/08/2026
Spark meaningful conversations with a simple activity that helps learners reflect on what they need to thrive. đź’ˇ
The Museum of Me invites participants to share personal objects that represent the ABCDEs of Learner Needs, turning everyday items into powerful stories of belonging, growth, and connection.
05/08/2026
What happens when students have the autonomy they need to thrive? They don't just participate; they lead, connect, and speak up. đź“Ł
The ABCDEs of Learner Needs help us create brave spaces where every voice matters and every learner has the opportunity to grow. Because when students have access, amazing things happen.
31/07/2026
Summer is winding to a close and DC teachers are invited to lively professional learning event on August 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 at the MLK Library downtown that will give you lots to look forward to in the new school year. You'll learn fun activities you can implement on day 1, practice improvisational thinking, play with a tool that helps meet learner needs, and create a vision board for the year ahead. Alumni and current Teaching with Improvisation Fellows will be helping to guide the learning. All teachers are welcome to join us.
What makes a city feel safe to you?
We posed this question to our Student Ambassadors during Your City, Your Say: Let's Talk About the Future Mayor, where they explored the role of local government and shared their perspectives on what creates safer, stronger communities.
Share your in the comments⬇️
What’s one thing adults don’t understand about being a young person in Washington, DC?
We asked our Student Ambassadors to share their honest answers after participating in Your City, Your Say: Let’s Talk About the Future Mayor—a conversation where students explored the role of the mayor, learned about the history of DC’s mayors, and reflected on the issues shaping their city.
Their perspectives are a reminder that young people aren't just preparing for the future—they're already thinking critically about it. Listen to what they want adults to understand, then ask yourself: How do we continue to create spaces to hear youth voices?
27/07/2026
Empathy isn't something we simply teach—it's something we practice. This week, we're revisiting a favorite from the archives that explores how Kaneia Mayo Crumlin begins each school year: by taking the time to know her students, understand their experiences, and create a classroom where every child feels part of a community where they feel seen and heard and they want to do the same for others.
Read this thoughtful piece from our archives and consider: How does the learning and practice of empathy show up in your life?
Day 4, Part 2 of our 7-Day Question Challenge is here, and today Adonica is sharing her reflection! ✨
As we head into the weekend, don't let the challenge stop here. Bring your curiosity into your next conversation. Ask an open-ended question, listen with intention, and see what sparks. You never know where one thoughtful question might lead.
Keep the conversation going—and we'll see you for the final days of the challenge!
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| Tuesday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 5:30pm |