Boston College PreK-12 Formative Education Summer Institute
The Transformative Education Lab (TLab) at Boston College invites pre-K–12 educators and school professionals to apply to be part of the inaugural cohort of the PreK–12 Formative Education Summer Institute.
The Institute is a comprehensive three-day professional development program designed for PreK–12 educators and school leaders. Hosted in partnership with TLab, the Institute builds upon Boston College’s commitment to whole-person education. This program equips teachers, administrators, and other school professionals to nurture academic achievement along with the interconnected social, emotional, ethical, and spiritual growth of students.
The Institute positions educators at the forefront of a growing national movement dedicated to educating for meaning, purpose, and service. Our curriculum is structured to move participants from exploration to design to implementation while intentionally fostering collaboration, reflection, and community among peers.
Application portal closes on January 15th at 11:59 PM EST.
Formative education goes beyond academic achievement to shaping the whole person. Every lesson, activity, and relationship plays a role in helping students develop across multiple dimensions. As educators, you have unique opportunities to engage students not only in academic learning, but also in becoming thoughtful, compassionate, and purpose-driven individuals.
The Institute focuses on advancing the following key principles of whole-person education:
- Wholeness: Participants will explore innovative pedagogies and explore curricula designed to integrate intellectual, social, emotional, ethical, and spiritual development. An integrated, holistic approach allows educators to nurture curiosity, character, and self-awareness.
- Purpose: The Institute facilitates the reframing of education's purpose, moving beyond information toward formation. By engaging in sessions such as “Pedagogies of Formation: Teaching for Purpose and Character,” participants develop frameworks for connecting classroom learning to students’ life goals and recognizing their capacity to make a meaningful difference.
- Community: The final day of the Institute focuses on “Communities of Practice,” examining how deliberate, intentional cultivation of community can inform and support practice. Participants are encouraged to build a lasting professional learning community committed to advancing holistic education.
We welcome applicants committed to advancing whole-person education. Successful participants will take part in various activities and workshops, including Curriculum Co-Design Labs, where they begin building curriculum and strategy aligned to formative education. They will also discuss alternative forms of assessment, such as portfolios and reflective tools.
At the conclusion of the Institute, participants will leave with resources aimed at lasting impact:
- Practical tools to integrate formative education in their classrooms and schools.
- Access to research, practical resources, and potential funding opportunities through the Transformative Education Lab.
- A renewed vision and confidence necessary to help students flourish as both learners and whole human beings.
- A Certificate of Completion recognizing successful participation in the Institute.
The long-term goal of the Institute is to foster systemic reform. Participants may lead professional development in their own schools or districts, serving as ambassadors for formative education and contributing to a national network of practitioners who influence educational policy.
The curriculum includes diverse session formats to foster comprehensive engagement:
- Faculty Talks and Practitioner Panels
- Interactive Workshops and Curriculum Co-Design Labs
- Facilitated Dialogues and Guided Reflection
- Peer Collaboration and Guided Community Building
The Institute culminates in Capstone Presentations, where small groups present action plans and receive feedback, preparing them to implement work in their own communities. Post-institute resources and connections, including access to online community platforms and research partnership opportunities, will be introduced during the closing commitment-setting.
Dormitory lodging and meals during the Institute will be provided. Travel assistance is available.
- Open to all PreK–12 educators, counselors, and school professionals.
- Applicants must demonstrate interest and commitment to implementing formative education approaches in their pedagogy.
- Applicants must commit to fully participating during the entire Institute (June 26-28, 2026).
- Applicants should have support from their principal or administrator.
- A signed media release form is required for participation.
In addition to applicants’ contact and professional information, the application requires responses to the following questions:
- Why do you believe it matters to design education toward the formation of whole persons? (200-300 words)
- What is your current level of knowledge (1 = low, 5 = high) about pedagogies that integrate intellectual, ethical, spiritual, social, and emotional learning and development?
- What do you hope to gain from the Institute that will help you educate students for meaning, purpose, and service? (200-300 words)
- What specific aspects of your practice are you most committed to redesigning? (150-250 words)
- What concrete steps would you take to introduce and strengthen formative education practices in your school or district, beyond your own pedagogy? (150-250 words)