KC SUMMER TEACHER INSTITUTE
FROM THE CATALYZE CO:LAB
“How can I design a transformative place-based learning experience that enhances my high school students' self-awareness, fosters a sense of civic agency, deepens their connection to the community, and ignites their passion for learning?”
Each summer, high school arts and humanities teachers across the KC metro area gather for our KC Summer Teacher Institute, a free, five-day deep dive and professional development experience that explores and answers this question. As part of a dynamic community of practices, educators, working alongside young people, peers, and KC area museums and cultural institutions, discover new tools for designing Kauffman and Real World Learning Client-Connected Projects (CCPs) and new methods to make everyday learning more engaging, joyful, and wellness-supporting for their teen students.
In July 2023, History Co:Lab became the humanities implementation partner for the Ewing and Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Real-World Learning initiative. This role empowers us to design and implement KC Summer Teacher Institutes that scale youth-centered, community-connected learning in the humanities across Kansas City.
Our KC Summer Teacher Institutes amplify three core learning design components:
Real World Learning
When high school students engage in Real World Learning experiences, they uncover genuine passions. KC educators who take part in our Summer Institutes learn to connect young people to Kauffman and Real World Learning’s Client Connected Projects (CCPs), helping their students embark on journeys of self-discovery that go beyond classroom walls to help them explore their interests and potential in meaningful ways.
YOUTH CO-DESIGN
Through youth co-design, young people become architects of their own learning, bringing their ideas, needs, and experiences to learning design. KC Summer Teacher Institutes connect educators to youth co-design approaches, helping them develop resonant, relevant, and engaging Kauffman and Real World Learning’s Client Connected Projects (CCPs).
COMMUNITY ACTIVATION
Community activation is crucial for youth learning, providing real-world experiences, resources, and connections that support growth and readiness for an ever-changing world. KC Summer Teacher Institutes promote community activation by expanding educators’ networks, building awareness about community-connected learning experiences, and equipping teachers with tools to co-create impactful, real-world projects with students.
100%
of the educators who attended the 2024 KC Summer Teacher Institute described it as the best professional development they had ever attended.
98%
of educators reported feeling very confident in their ability to spark curiosity in students, integrate learning science, and promote a sense of belonging and agency in the classroom.
A Look at Past KC Summer Teacher Institutes:
A group of young people worked with us and KC educators during our weeklong 2024 KC Summer Teacher Institute to co-design and refine their Client Connected Project (CCP) ideas. Hear them reflect on the impact of their CCPs and their excitement about co-designing more impactful learning experiences.
Take a look back at teacher reflections and memorable moments from our 2023 KC Summer Teacher Institute.