Our inaugural events are a series of panel discussions with Arizona eudcators aptly titled Getting SparkED. Getting SparkED panels bring together facilitators driving the Getting SparkED ecosystem accelerator to explore how pragmatic imagination can seed transformative intent among educators. Panelists will be leaders, representing students, teachers, parents, and community partners. They will be invited to imagine collaborative and transformative opportunities that might accelerate educational innovation in metropolitan Phoenix and across Arizona. This event series will unfold online and you can listen to the panelists and connect with other listeners via our Getting SparkED podcast.
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.
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 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.
We will release three more panel discussions in September, October, and November, 2026. Have an idea for a topic? panelists? Please connect with us to share your ideas