Human-Centered Design for School Leaders

This course will introduce school leaders to design thinking and, more specifically, Human-Centered Design. Design thinking encompasses five phases of design: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Throughout this course, participants will learn about and apply each phase of the design cycle to a challenge within their school system that will foster student growth and achievement.

HCD is a subset of design thinking that focuses on empathy as a means for collaborative problem solving. When school leaders know their students well, the school systems better meet their needs. When leaders understand the challenges facing their communities, they can adapt to their priorities.

This course includes direct instruction, individual and group activities, independent assignments, as well as job-embedded applications. Resources, including explainer videos and design templates, will be available.

Synchronous Meeting Dates and Times
– September 24, 2026 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
– October 15, 2026 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
– November 10, 2026 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
– December 10, 2026 – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
– January 14, 2027 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm