How do we create learning experiences that empower young people to understand their world and shape its future?
Learning for Change brings together educators, school leaders, researchers, artists, and changemakers who believe that schools can be places of curiosity, agency, belonging, and impact.
Through workshops, conversations, and hands-on experiences, participants will explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning grounded in progressive educational practice.
Tentative Schedule
A form to chose your sessions will be sent out two weeks prior to the conference.
8:30–9:00 AM
Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00–10:15 AM
Welcome & Keynote Speaker
10:30–11:30 AM
Breakout Session 1
11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Breakout Session 2
12:45–1:45 PM
Lunch & Networking
2:00–3:00 PM
Breakout Session 3 / Unconference
3:15–4:00 PM
Closing Reflection & Next Steps
Who Should Attend?
The conference is designed for:
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Classroom teachers
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School leaders and administrators
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Early childhood educators
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Specialists and support staff
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Educational nonprofits
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Anyone passionate about student-centered, innovative learning
Why Attend?
Participants will:
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Discover innovative teaching practices.
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Learn from experienced educators and thought leaders.
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Connect with colleagues from across the region.
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Leave with practical ideas that can be implemented immediately.
Call for Proposals
Proposal Deadline: September 22, 2026
Keynote Speaker
Elisabeth Swain
Elisabeth Swain is the Head of School at Touchstone Community School, a progressive independent school in Grafton, Massachusetts, where she leads a learning community grounded in curiosity, relationships, student agency, and connection to the natural world. An educator and school leader with more than two decades of experience in progressive and independent education, Elisabeth has worked as a classroom teacher, administrator, nonprofit leader, and educational consultant. She holds master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education and a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Theater Education.
Throughout her career, Elisabeth has explored the question, “What happens when we take children and their ideas seriously?” Her work explores how schools can move beyond preparing students to navigate the world as it is and instead help young people recognize their capacity to understand, question, and shape it. At Learning for Change, Elisabeth will invite educators to examine the everyday conditions that foster curiosity, agency, belonging, and meaningful impact. Alongside this, educators will consider what adults may need to give up, tolerate, or change in order to make those conditions possible. This keynote will be reflective, participatory, and grounded in a collective practice.
