projects, pedagogy, and play 2025
Project, Pedagogy & Play is back—bigger, bolder, and more connected than ever. This year, we’re welcoming 300+ educators, students, and innovators to a larger venue designed to spark meaningful conversations, hands-on learning, and real collaboration.
This is an opportunity to explore learner-centered education, project-based learning, and the power of play alongside like-minded educators from across district schools, public charter schools, private schools, and higher education.
Schedule
THURSDAY MAY 8
9:30a - 11:00a: Tour Paladin
2:00p - 3:30p: Tour Terra Nova
6:00p: Kickoff Reception
Pre-Conference School Tours & Reception (Optional)
Kick off your conference experience with an inside look at two pioneering Minnesota charter schools pushing the boundaries of student-centered learning:
Paladin (Grades 9–12+): A tuition-free public charter school that champions personalized, interest-driven education through seminars, project-based learning, and experiential learning models.
Terra Nova (Grades 6–12): A tuition-free public charter school that facilitates authentic learning through diverse experiences, helping students develop lifelong skills.
The tours will be followed by a networking reception, giving you time to connect with fellow educators and innovators before the main event.
FRIDAY MAY 9
8:30A CONFERENCE
What to Expect on Friday
More attendees, more connections. Engage with educators from across the country and expand your network.
Hands-on sessions & real-world projects. Learn tangible strategies to bring back to your school.
The power of play in learning. Discover how playful, student-driven experiences lead to deeper engagement.
What’s next with Headrush Learning. Get an exclusive look at new tools supporting learner-centered education.
We’ll start the day with group cross-pollination, followed by interactive breakout sessions designed to provide practical takeaways and fresh perspectives. As always, the rule of two feet applies—move freely between sessions and make the most of your time.
FRIDAY MAY 9 4:30PM
CONFERENCE ENDS
You're free to leave, but feel free to stick around for after-conference cocktails and social sharing with fellow attendees at fine local Minneapolis establishments.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
This event will sell out quickly, so don’t wait— early bird tickets are on sale now through the end of March! General tickets will be available starting in April, and group rates are also available for teams attending together.
We look forward to learning with you.
Detailed Event Schedule
Thursday May 8
9:30am
2:00pm
Evening
Tour at Paladin Career and Technical School with Brandon Wait
Tour at Terra Nova School with Craig Wignes
Pre-conference reception at Litt Pinball Bar
Friday May 9
7:30am
8:30am
8:45am
9:30am
Registration
Welcome
Headrush Kickoff
Cross-Pollination Part 1
10:45 am
Session 1: Projects
PBL
James Lewicki
Strong Evidence: The Heart of Inquiry and the Key to Unlocking Critical Thinking Skills
Aric Soderbloom
Scaffolding Project Based Learning
Jim Wartman
Your Diploma is a Scavenger Hunt
Elizabeth Keane
12pm Lunch
1:15 pm
Session 2: Pedagogy
Designing with Learners in Mind: Key Moments to Involve your Learners in Your Project Design Cycle
Dayna Laur & Tim Kubik
Headrush Hacks
Craig and Amanda from TerraNova
Peer Leadership as a means to grow Hope, achievement and improve school culture
Steven Rippe & James Lewicki
Instructional Reading Strategies for PBL enhanced with Diffit and Brisk
Jason Drier
2:30pm
Session 3: Play
Engineering an Escape Room: A Playful Entry into STEAM
Jonathan Mallaley
Experiential Learning 101: Intro
Steven Rippe
Dungeons & Dragons and Other Role Playing Games as Curriculum
Jason Olson and Drew Klitzke (NWPHS)
Expedition from MAAP 2023
Jeff Schommer (NWPHS)
REQUEST FOR SPEAKER PROPOSALS
Speaker proposals are closed for the 2025 event. If you submit a proposal, you will be considered for future events. Thank you!