Project Zero Classroom 2026

The weeklong Project Zero Classroom institute (PZC) features research-based tools, frameworks, and approaches to instruction and assessment that deepen learning and understanding for all students. As a participant, you will 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 will 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.

• Overview
• Program Details
• Who Should Attend
• Schedule
• Registration
• Questions?

Overview

How can the classroom become a place where today’s learners become the citizens and leaders of tomorrow? For more than 55 years, Project Zero has pioneered research that examines key facets of human potential such as intelligence and creativity, asking how educators and schools can design learning experiences that are engaging and exciting for all learners.

From June 22 - 26, 2026, Project Zero will host the Project Zero Classroom (PZC) institute in person in Cambridge, MA on the campus of the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). (We are sorry that we cannot provide a hybrid online participation option.) In the company of PZ researchers and experienced educators from around the world, participants open up the questions at the heart of teaching and learning: What kinds of learning experiences and assessment practices will best prepare students for the demands of an unpredictable, ever-shifting future? How does understanding develop? How do educators nurture critical and creative thinking? How do educators ensure that all students are learning?

Program Details

During this five-day, in-person institute, you will take part in a variety of learning activities that invite you to explore and practice Project Zero principles and strategies for teaching and learning. Whether you are a teacher or in the role of supporting and leading teachers and teaching, you will reflect on your current teaching, instructional leadership, and assessment practices and develop new approaches to learning, planning, and instructional strategies that respond to the diverse ways in which your students engage and learn.

The program explores fundamental educational questions including:

• What does it mean to understand? How does understanding develop?
• What are the roles of reflection and assessment in learning?
• How can we nurture critical thinking and creativity?
• How can we design learning experiences for and with diverse learners and contexts?

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. Due to limited building capacity and anticipated high demand, schools/organizations may not initially register groups of more than 10 participants. 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.

Schedule

The PZC program begins on Monday, June 22 and ends Friday, June 26, 2026.

Registration

Registration information will be released later this year.

If you have questions about the 2026 PZC, please email pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu.