Chapter Presentation
April 23, 2024
5:00 – 7:30 PM
VS Grand Rapids Showroom
616 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Refreshments will be served
Quick Impact Change Management for Educational Space Design
In the ever-evolving landscape of educational development, effectively managing change is essential for school leaders,
architects, designers, and planners committed to creating spaces that anticipate and adapt to the needs of students
and educators. This workshop focuses on the application of change management principles in the design of innovative
educational environments. Through a series of case studies from various school districts, participants will learn strategic
approaches to ensure the successful transformation of educational spaces, emphasizing partnerships and effective
change management to achieve visionary outcomes.
Speaker: Jill Ackers, ALEP, Director of Education – VS America
Jill Ackers is an influential educator with nearly three decades of experience across a broad spectrum of the educational sector. Her
journey began as a mathematics teacher, evolving into a technology expert after achieving her CCNA & MCSE certifications in Denver,
Colorado. Her skills in managing school networks and teaching K-8 technology led her to significant roles in educational leadership.
Her career took a pivotal turn in Dallas, Texas, where she was a key founding member of a K-12 International Baccalaureate STEM school.
As the IB Coordinator, Ackers played a crucial role in shaping the school’s culture and its successful authorization as an IB World School.
Her impactful work continued in higher education, significantly contributing to the development of Southern Methodist University’s first
urban principal master’s degree program. She also established the city’s first dual-language Project-Based Learning (PBL) elementary
school, serving as its Elementary Director. Ackers’ professional scope extends internationally, with her conducting workshops for
educators around the world. She holds a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development and Elementary Education, an M.Ed. in School
Leadership and Administration. Her expertise in designing learning environments was recognized with the Accredited Learning
Environment Planner (ALEP) certification in 2021.
Her publication, “Developing Natural Curiosity through Project-Based Learning: Five Strategies for the PreK-3 Classroom,” highlights
her dedication to innovative education. As the Director of Education at VS America, her current role focuses on transforming learning
environments, a crucial aspect of impacting student lives daily. This role involves collaborating with architectural firms, interior designers,
and furniture vendors globally to create adaptable, flexible, and dynamic learning spaces.
Her work at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) involved designing PBL courses for physics and mathematics professors,
she spent three years at Sam Houston State University where she trained professors in project-based learning reimagining courses
and course crosswalks to be more experiential, and she also designed a PBL course for Wilkes University, showcasing her versatility
in educational development. At Fielding International, Ackers was instrumental in rethinking learning spaces for innovative education
globally, with her efforts reaching nearly all U.S. states and 24 countries. This work includes designing learning environments, community
engagement, and leading educational workshops. Ackers is also known for her commitment to equity in education, advocating for
equitable opportunities for all learners through authentic learning experiences. She actively supports educators in developing
systems and capacities for impactful 21st-century learning experiences and outcomes for students.
| 5:00 – 5:30 PM |
Networking |
| 5:30 – 6:30 PM |
Jill Ackers, Speaker |
| 6:30 – 7:30 PM |
Networking |
Member: $15 | Non-Member: $30 | Member Public: Free | Non-Member Public: $15
Register
Event Sponsors:
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April 30-May 2, 2024
INspired Design: Supporting Next Generation Learners
Indianapolis, IN
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Click here for more information and to register for the conference.