Charting New Horizons: A Multi-Year Voyage to Transform Learning Environments Through Sustainable Change

AIA Continuing Education Provider

PENDING

Date/Time: November 1, 2025 | 9:00 – 10:30 am

Room: 164-165

Room Sponsor: VIRCO

Audience: Architects, Engineers, Educators, Facility Personnel, Contractors / Suppliers / Manufacturers, Consultants

VIRCO

Call to Action: 

  1. Conduct a Mini-Stakeholder Input Session: Right after the session, schedule a brief, informal meeting with 2-3 key stakeholders (a teacher, a student, a parent) to initiate a quick needs assessment. They can use 2-3 key questions from the “Phase 1” discussion to gather initial perspectives on current classroom challenges and desired improvements. This provides immediate, actionable data to start thinking about their own specific context.
  2. Create a “Snapshot” Resource Inventory: Take a few minutes to list the top 3-5 resources (technology, furniture, learning tools) they currently have or are considering. Next to each resource, they can jot down a brief note on how it could be integrated into a “future-forward” learning experience, aligning it with a specific learning objective. This will begin the process of creating a “snapshot curiculum guide” and help them see what they already have with new eyes.
  3. Schedule a “PLC Kick-Start” Meeting: Immediately schedule a short meeting with 1-2 colleagues to discuss the potential for forming or enhancing a Professional Learning Community (PLC). They can use the session’s discussion on PLC benefits to outline 1-2 initial goals for the PLC and identify potential members. This action will begin the process of creating a sustainable learning expedition.

Abstract: Embark on a voyage to explore new horizons in learning environments with this comprehensive, multi-year approach to classroom transformation. This session transcends the limitations of fleeting “one-and-done” professional development, offering a strategic roadmap for cultivating lasting change. We’ll navigate the complexities of modern learning spaces, engaging community stakeholders in a collaborative journey toward future-ready classrooms. Learn to build internal capacity, ensuring their institutions are equipped to embrace and sustain the evolving landscape of education.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Map a Multi-Year Voyage: Develop a strategic, multi-year plan for engaging community stakeholders in a transformative journey toward innovative learning environments.
  2. Navigate Diverse Perspectives: Design and implement effective pre-work and input sessions to gather diverse perspectives, charting a course that reflects the needs of all learners.
  3. Utilize a Compass for Innovation: Employ a 10-step “buying guide” companion framework, acting as a compass to navigate the complexities of classroom technology and design, ensuring alignment with cutting-edge practices.
  4. Establish a Sustainable Learning Expedition: Implement a sustainable professional learning series that empowers educators and fosters ongoing growth, ensuring continuous exploration of new horizons.

Core Competency

Educational Facility Implementation, Project Management / Project Delivery
Successfully delivering a project that meets the needs of the community, district, and students.

Michelle Klosterman, Ph.D.
Michelle Klosterman, Ph.D.
Associate Head of School, Forsyth Country Day School

Dr. Klosterman is a dedicated educator who believes in the power of student-centered learning. As the Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning at Forsyth Country Day School, she oversees a wide range of programs that support student growth, including curriculum development, faculty training, library services, college counseling, and special education. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Klosterman has a proven ability to create engaging learning environments that inspire curiosity and foster critical thinking.

Yolanda McClure, Ph.D.
Yolanda McClure, Ph.D.
Director of Teaching and Learning, Forsyth Country Day School

Dr. Yolanda J. McClure is a highly experienced educational leader and expert in professional learning and development. As the Director of Teaching and Learning at Forsyth Country Day School, she leverages over 15 years of experience to empower educators through coaching, mentorship, and innovative professional learning programs. Dr. McClure’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to a robust faculty experience, developing and implementing onboarding programs, guiding curriculum development, and strategically ensuring organizational coherence.

Lauren Frye
Lauren Frye
Director of Teaching and Learning, Latent Designs PLLC

With more than 15 years of professional experience and architectural degrees from Princeton University and the University of Virginia, Lauren is a practicing architect, educator, and non-profit founder / board chair. She is a big-picture thinker with an eye for detail and is a design-thinking evangelist. Passionate about the power of design to build community via thoughtful engagement, respectful reuse, and responsiveness to natural systems, Lauren strives toward a practice that celebrates the latent value in people and places.

LearningSCAPES 2025 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Venue

Phoenix Convention Center
South Building
100 North Third Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Dates

October 29-November 1, 2025

Contact

Email: donna@a4le.org
+1 480.391.0840