Overview 

Teachers have a unique perspective about what they need to improve their practice. EduDesign is an experimental space that supports teachers to engage in a collective process of inquiry-- to grapple with self-identified questions and problems of practice. The fellowship is a year-round experience that kicks off with a summer institute and includes multiple convenings throughout the year. Each cohort provides space for fellows to build community, make sense of big ideas together, grow their justice work-- in their practice and in schools, and support one another as professionals.  

The EduDesign fellowship is not your typical professional development-- it is a collective approach to learning. Each cohort is led by a team of teacher-leaders positioned not as experts but as co-learners alongside fellow participants. These teacher-leaders serve as planners and facilitators of this co-created learning experience. College of Education staff, faculty, and other resources support the work as well. This year we are launching our first cohort specifically designed to support educators focused on inclusion. We know that this is complex work and that space to challenge and support one another is essential for moving it forward. 

This year some of the questions we will explore include:  

• What does (and can) inclusion look like in your setting, and how can we support each other in our journey towards more inclusive practices? 

• How do we build excitement and momentum around inclusive practices?  

• What practical practices lead to reducing barriers (scheduling, planning, curriculum, staffing, training, district structures/programs) and changing mindsets in our varied contexts? 

• How can inclusive practices support our most impacted students? 

• How are the voices of students with disabilities and families intentionally included and valued in decision-making? 

• How can we strengthen our ability to consider and support the often intersecting identities of our students and their families in this work (e.g, race, class, language, immigration status)? 

Responsibilities 

EduDesign is a year-round experience that will kick off with an IN PERSON summer institute in August and we will meet again IN PERSON for our March session. The other Saturday sessions will take place online. Each fellow will need to be available for the following dates: 

Summer Institute: Aug 16 & Aug 17, 2021 (9 AM - 1 PM) IN PERSON 

School Year Saturday Sessions: Oct 8, 2022 | Jan 7, 2023 |Mar 18, 2023 IN PERSON (9 AM - 12 PM) 

The fellowship cohort works together with the support of the EduDesign Leadership Team and UW INSPIRE Managing Director to shape the EduDesign Fellowship experience. Fellows are committed to the following efforts: 

1. Come prepared and focused for the Summer Institute and Saturday sessions. (There will be some pre-work that will require 15 - 60 min of your time, depending on the session.) 

2. Share what you know, what you’re learning, what you’re wondering, and what you are challenged by. 

3. Try out ideas with your students and colleagues; document some of those experiences.