All photos by Ryan Moore Photography
Our Catalyst Ranch square footage expanded this summer with the opening of our new Catalyst Studio! Separate from the Ranch both physically and in concept, Catalyst Studio is our bright, urban flat designed with minimal decor for a more open, versatile canvas for unique creative and artistic events.
In our previous Creative Juice post, we shared how the idea of housing an art gallery was one major spark inspiring this space, and how the fateful connection with new client Education Reimagined made that idea a reality. And we have Bobbi Macdonald to thank for reaching out to us through the ether about available meeting space for a uniquely dynamic, multi-day event.
Bobbi serves as Senior Partner for Ecosystem Growth and Advancement for Education Reimagined, and from planning to execution, she and her colleagues wowed us with their vision for the event, their collaboration, and the impact of their work.
We briefly interviewed Bobbi to learn more about the organization and the significance of this summer event for them. And, happily, we were able to get important feedback about their experience in the new Catalyst Studio.
Conference attendees experiencing exhibited pieces in the Studio
Catalyst Ranch: Bobbi, can you tell us more about the work that Education Reimagined does, and what occasion brought the organization to Catalyst Ranch?
Bobbi Macdonald: Education Reimagined is a national nonprofit working with communities and education leaders to make learner-centered education possible for every young person in the United States. This is a strengths- and interest-based approach to education where kids learn from, in, and with their local communities.
Over the past twelve months, we have been working with a dozen sites to learn together as they work to establish learner-centered ecosystems in their local communities. This event was a sharing and celebration of the accomplishments of these twelve sites that are part of the Learner-Centered Ecosystem Lab.
We could see the diversity among the participant site communities in how varied the artworks were in form, perspective, location and more!
An artwork from one site participating in the Education Reimagined lab program
The organization’s work championing, exploring and testing learner-centered education is really intrigues us, since education and innovation are things that resonate deeply with Catalyst Ranch. What has been the most rewarding aspect for you as a part of Education Reimagined?
Seeing the leaders from across these sites collaborate has been incredibly rewarding. They have established such a deep understanding and appreciation of each other’s work that a natural support system has emerged. They are sharing new ideas and calling up fellow cohort members if they see something that might work in another member’s learning environment.
Each of these sites is incredibly unique — including public districts, microschools, out-of-school programs, and more — but they share a common vision that education can and should focus on developing the interests and skills of each young person. And of course, seeing how this work positively impacts young people is the best part, and the reason we do this work.
Your team met at our space across two days and utilized both our 5th Floor set of rooms and our brand new Catalyst Studio, which we were especially excited to personalize for you.
Can you tell us about the way you used the new Studio?
Our two days together were spent gathering, learning, and sharing. Part of that time was spent in the Studio, where we created an exhibition called, “Engaging Emerging Ecosystems,” where each of the Lab participants showcased an artistic expression or artifact that embodies their unique ecosystem in their community.
The mediums are as eclectic as the space, including a 3D diagram, video, and even a hanging silk artwork. Each display is as unique as the sites and the communities they represent.
Having the studio as part of our event was AMAZING! It created another form of dialogue and experience for all the attendees. The space is truly inspirational!
That’s so great to hear, especially because we know the importance of an event’s success is heightened when the attendees come from far and wide, such as the Education Reimagined team and, as you mentioned, your Lab participant sites.
In bringing folks together here in person, what were you the most excited for? And how did you gauge success?
It’s always great to be together in person — the conversations and ideas just flow and connect in such a natural way. [I was] most excited to celebrate the dozen sites and countless leaders who participated in the Learner-Centered Ecosystem Lab. This work is tough, and each participant has given so much of their time, energy, and thinking to this group over the past year. And the work doesn’t end here. We will continue to engage with these leaders, and they will continue to grow and expand to meet the needs of the young people in their communities.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking at all the work that could be done, so I think it’s vital to acknowledge and celebrate everything that has already been accomplished.
What’s next for the organization?
We are imagining education as community based, centered on learners and learning, and as a way to weave together strong communities. As a field catalyst, our work is adaptive and responsive to the needs of the learner-centered field.
Across the organization, we have a variety of projects coming out later this year, including an exploration of how different sites work with young people with learning differences, as well as a look at which state policies can enable learner-centered education to thrive.
As for the Lab, while this official cohort is wrapping up, we will continue to stay engaged with each site as we evaluate how we can best support other learner-centered leaders. You can always keep up-to-date with what’s happening with us on our website (education-reimagined.org) or LinkedIn.
