When students engage in authentic work, they aren’t the only one’s crossing into the unknown.
What support do teachers need to find their way?
Season 8/Collab Lab 58
The focus for Collab Lab 57 was Dealing with Uncertainty. Whenever we cross into the unknown, it’s helpful to find a guide or mentor who can point to a path forward. Beyond simply brining in outside programming, what support can we offer teachers as they take on the challenges that might arise?
As always, you’ll be joined by peers and collaborators from K-12 higher education, industry, and the nonprofit community. If you work with or know of a student who would like to join the discussion, please extend the invitation.
Agenda
5:30 to 6:00 pm | Grab something to eat, meet some interesting, passionate people |
6:00 to 6:15 pm | Welcome and introductions |
6:15 to 8:00 pm | Let’s talk through some ideas |
8:00 to 8:30 pm | Wrap up and next steps |
Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. There is no charge for participation but space is limited!
Featured Participants
Among others, you’ll have chance to trade ideas with:
Kirsten Sobieski, Partner — Services Manager, GPS Education Partners
Kirsten credits her work-based learning experience as a college intern in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office as what led her to a career of advocacy for youth, families, and veterans in crisis. Having worked in the government sector for 20 years before pivoting to non-profit leadership, Kirsten values the impact of partnerships, recognizing that no one entity can do it all alone. A veteran of the United States Army Reserve Military Intelligence Corps, Kirsten received technical training that translated into college credit towards her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kirsten holds a BA in History and a Certificate in Criminal Justice.
GPS Education Partners works with schools and business to develop and implement work-based learning experiences for students.
Chris Willey — Director of Technology, Islands of Brilliance
Chris is a trailblazer in teaching and learning, focusing on emerging creative technologies. Drawing inspiration from the metaphor of gardening, Willey has cultivated a deep teaching philosophy that centers around fostering growth, nurturing creativity, and valuing the process. As an Adobe Education Leader/Innovator, Willey collaborates with a distinguished community of creative educators on a global scale. With a teaching tenure spanning over a decade at the college level, his expertise spans digital art, digital painting, animation, audio/video production, 3D modeling, and game engines.
He founded the Immersive Media Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, an interdisciplinary research space focusing on emerging creative technologies such as extended reality and generative AI. Willey has written textbooks on art and design, curated art exhibitions at museums, and exhibited internationally.
Islands of Brilliance (IOB) is a learning experience developed specifically for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. IOB utilizes project-based learning that allows students to grow their intrinsic capabilities and practice communication, increasing their likelihood of independence as adults.