Project Zero Classroom
Join PZ for our most popular event of the year: Project Zero Classroom (PZC)! Hosted on the Harvard Graduate School of Education campus for a full week in June, this immersive institute features research-based tools, frameworks, and approaches to instruction and assessment that deepen learning and understanding for all students. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore ways to enhance student engagement, encourage learners to think critically and creatively, and make learning and thinking visible. Through a combination of presentations, interactive workshops, and small learning groups, you'll have the opportunity to explore ideas and practices with PZ researchers, educators experienced in applying PZ ideas in their contexts, and fellow participants from around the world.
Who Should Attend
- Early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary school educators
- School administrators and teacher educators
- Those in other educator roles, including (but not limited to) artists, teaching artists, museum educators, after-school educators, nonprofit staff members
Participants may apply as individuals or as groups. Participants are encouraged to attend in teams so they can reflect together during the program and, having had a common set of experiences, continue their learning after the program. PZ encourages schools and organizations of all means to register, and attendance preference will be given to educators working in schools/organizations that have regular, direct access to students.
The PZC program is highly interactive. Therefore, fluency in English is essential and required.
Essential Themes We'll Explore
- Digital Thriving for Youth Well-Being
Where do you draw the line on AI—and where do your students? With Carrie James and Beck Tench, learn the fundamentals and deeply dive into the many ways you can help your students thrive in a tech-filled world.
- Designing Learning
Spaces Engage in hands-on experiences with Daniel Wilson that illustrate how qualities of spaces, objects, and materials can support learning by developing student agency, belonging, curiosity, and delight.
- Cultures of Thinking
With Ron Ritchhart and Mark Church, dive into PZ legacy research that explores the key mindsets all educators need in order to nurture powerful thinkers and learners—better shaping and understanding group culture.
- Playful, Creative, and Maker-Centered
Learning How do we create the conditions in which teaching and learning through play thrive? How do we ensure all young people have the opportunity to engage in creative work? Join Edward Clapp, Mara Krechevsky, Jen Ryan, and more.
- Teaching for Understanding
The foundation for many core PZ ideas, the Teaching for Understanding framework will help you develop or revise a curriculum unit, project, or learning activity to promote deep understanding and not facts that are forgotten.
“It’s crazy how powerful this kind of stuff is! PZ came into my world and I was 20 years into my career ... and my world was completely rocked. I went home teaching a state-mandated course for state-mandated tests—and I was known for high test scores. But I knew I couldn’t be the same teacher as I was before, because I had been challenged.”
Contact Us
If you have specific questions about any of our professional development opportunities, please email us at pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu.