The panel discussion will bring together facilitators driving the Getting SparkED agenda to explore how pragmatic imagination can transform education. These leaders, representing students, teachers, parents, and community partners, will discuss strategies for rapidly integrating imaginative practices into learning environments. Through collaboration and experimentation, they aim to accelerate educational innovation in metropolitan Phoenix and inspire communities beyond to embrace future-focused, student-centered approaches.
This panel will explore the dynamic relationship between imagination and psychological well-being, examining how creative thinking can foster emotional resilience and mental health. Experts from education, psychology, and the arts will discuss the role of imagination in coping with stress, enhancing problem-solving, and promoting a positive mindset in both personal and professional contexts. Attendees will gain insights into how cultivating imaginative practices can support overall well-being and lead to more fulfilling lives.
This panel will bring together district and school leaders alongside classroom educators to discuss how imagination is currently integrated into their educational programs. The conversation will highlight how imaginative practices are being used to engage students, enhance problem-solving, and foster creativity across grade levels and subjects. Panelists will share examples of successful initiatives and explore how imagination can continue to evolve, supporting innovative teaching methods, personalized learning experiences, and the development of critical skills for the future. Together, they will address the potential for scaling imaginative practices within schools and districts.
This panel will feature leaders from non-formal education spaces, including zoos, botanical gardens, science centers, after-school programs, and community-based learning initiatives, as they discuss the role of imagination in their current programs. Panelists will share how “wild” spaces can spark the imagination and how imaginative approaches are used to spark curiosity, deepen engagement, and foster creative problem-solving among diverse learners. They will also explore how imagination can further evolve within these programs to meet future educational challenges, adapt to emerging needs, and support a culture of innovation across non-traditional learning spaces.