Our Initiatives
The following initiatives reflect The Transformative Education Lab's commitment to educational transformation grounded in dignity, purpose, and social responsibility. We believe that by focusing on the whole learner and the systems that support them, we can create a more just and flourishing world.
Advancing Formative Education Research
TEL participates in and curates research being done on whole-person learning and development. By synthesizing insights across disciplines—philosophy, anthropology, developmental psychology, education, history, counseling, media studies, and more—we bring together scholarship that informs policy and practice in schools, communities, and universities.
- Collect and curate formative education research across Boston College and beyond
- Conduct inquiry into practices that foster ethical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth
- Develop a research-to-practice pipeline that supports scalable innovation
Designing Transformative Learning Tools
In collaboration with educators, youth, and community partners, TEL is prototyping practices and frameworks that draw on the core principles of formative education. These tools support schools in nurturing the whole learner.
- Develop and pilot educational tools aligned with holistic development
- Create frameworks to support the development of formative teachers and leaders
- Incorporate user feedback to refine tools for broader dissemination
Advancing Professional Learning for Educators & Leaders
Recognizing the central role of educators in facilitating transformative development, TEL is designing a suite of professional learning experiences. These equip educators to engage with the moral, spiritual, emotional, and relational dimensions of teaching and leadership.
- Launch a professional development series rooted in whole-person learning
- Facilitate school-based learning cohorts and leadership retreats
- Build capacity for systems change through formative practices
Hosting Interdisciplinary Convenings & Conferences
TEL is creating space for conversation and shared learning through academic and practitioner-oriented conferences and convenings. Our inaugural conference will highlight formative education across contexts and disciplines.
- Host TEL’s first academic conference on formative education in Fall 2026
- Participate in GRACE 2026, focused on global Catholic education
- Bring together voices from diverse fields to inform holistic education
Building Strategic Partnerships
Collaboration is at the heart of TEL. We are cultivating partnerships with schools, universities, and organizations that are developing holistic educational approaches. Through these relationships, we aim to co-create and scale successful models of formative education.
- Develop cross-sector and community-based action research partnerships
- Engage schools in co-designing formative education practices
- Foster networks for mutual learning and sustained innovation
Establishing TEL as a National Hub
Through sustained collaboration, strategic communication, and values-based inquiry, TEL is positioning itself as a national leader in formative education. This includes the launch of our digital presence, a strong visual identity, and continued engagement with thought leaders.
- Launch official TEL website to share research, tools, and stories in Fall 2025
- Finalize TEL branding and logo through community-driven design
- Onboard postdoctoral fellow to deepen research and collaboration