“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler, Future Shock, 1970 As we look 50 years into the future, this quote from 50 years past is insightful. It perhaps portents a great “unlearning” of how we do school that jettisons all current real or perceived roadblocks such as: inequities around funding and race and opportunity, mandates, testing regimes, etc. And it requires us, without restrictions, to answer several fundamental questions.

• How do we best prepare our youth to be healthy, successful, productive, citizens of the world?
• If our world needs empathetic, innovative, and creative problem-solvers, how do we engender these qualities?
• How might we elevate consciousness in public education through equity to empower every child to flourish in a world that is more connected and disruptive than ever?

This session leans on a panel of experts who will use their unique viewpoints to fast forward us into an optimistic future, each sharing a quick 5-minute Ted-style talk. Author and futurist David Houle will share mega trends that he forecasts will dramatically change society; helping us imagine their connection to education. A champion for 28,000 diverse students, Dr. Baron Davis is an authority on diversity, equity and inclusion. He will share his experiences in conscious DEI leadership and explore how deep consideration of these issues will affect education. Dr. Andy Hatton will explore how curriculum must change and how that might affect our learners and educators moving forward. Public health specialist, Dr. Erika Eitland, will explore a post-pandemic world and look toward the future of what is here to stay now and in the future. Aimee Eckmann, ALEP and Steve Turckes, ALEP will then facilitate a dynamic conversation discussing how these four viewpoints intersect around a dynamic, diverse, and immersive learning ecosystem for Elena, born in 2054 and in the 16th year of her learning journey in 2070. The last 20-30 minutes will be discussion-based engaging the audience in the further co-creation of Elena’s learning journey. Our look toward 2070 will be fun, dynamic, and engaging.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn about the mega trends and the potential impact on learning.
2. Based on trends and discussion, gain insights that help all present co-create the 2070 learning ecosystem.
3. Gain working knowledge and insight regarding the importance of using an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens when considering the 21st learning needs of all students.
4. Understand the critical role of health and wellness for student success now and in the future.

David Houle, Futurist, davidhoule.com
David is a futurist, thinker, and speaker. David spent more than 20 years in media and entertainment and is consistently ranked as one of the top futurists and futurist keynote speakers on the major search engines and in the world today. David has authored eight books including “Shift Ed: A Call to Action for Transforming K-12 Education in America”. Houle is Futurist in Residence and Guest Lecturer at the Ringling College of Art + Design. He is also the Honorary Futurist of the Future Business School of China, and a Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Sarasota Institute – A 21st Century Think Tank https://sarasotainstitute.global/

Andy Hatton, Ed.E., Associate Superintendent for Learning & Leadership, Upper Arlington Schools
With 25 years of public education service, Andy is the Associate Superintendent for Learning & Leadership for Upper Arlington Schools. Through mentorship and coaching, he collaborates with district leaders and teachers to create authentic, equitable and meaningful learning experiences for all students. Andy brings a palatable passion to about kids and learning to his work that inspires those that work with him. Prior to his current role, Andy was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Dublin City Schools and has held numerous building-level positions. 

Steve Turckes, FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP, Perkins&Will
Steve is the Global Pre-K-12 Practice Leader for Perkins&Will. Turckes firmly believes in the power of education and educational environments to change lives. For over thirty years he has shaped educational facilities in the across the Nation and all over the World. Steve’s body of work reflects his focus on connecting the knowledge and experience of educators with the energy and enthusiasm of students and communities to support innovative educational missions and spaces. His process is infused with the principles of observation, collaboration and knowledge sharing, and he has led teams creating future-ready environments that stand the test of time.

Aimee Eckmann, FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP, Perkins&Will
Aimee is the Pre-K-12 Practice Leader in the Chicago office of Perkins&Will. As a global innovator in pre-K-12 programming and planning, Aimee advocates for forward-thinking solutions that engage and influence students, teachers, and communities. Consistently ahead of trends, Aimee customizes her work based on current research, building trust with clients and the community by forming an inclusive partnership throughout the project process.

Dr. Erika Eitland, MPH, Sc.D, Perkins&Will
Erika is the Director of the Human Experience Lab at Perkins&Will. Since college, Erika has dedicated herself to the pursuit of a healthier world. At first, that meant testing new therapies through genetics and stem cell research. But when Erika was introduced to the study of public health, she pivoted. By looking at the entirety of the built environment (and it’s scientifically backed impact on well-being), Erika saw a way to elevate human health across the board. It’s a philosophy she calls “physiological equity,” and it means that everyone has the right to a healthy environment. As a Doctor of Science, Erika brings her research prowess to our Human Experience (Hx) Lab, integrating public health research with our design process. She helps Perkins&Will view buildings holistically, rigorously evaluating their impact on occupant health.