WISIT SUMMER INSTITUTE! August 3-7, 2026
Since 2014, our annual summer institute has offered a week of intense, inspiring, and joyful professional learning with outstanding educators from across the region. Our goal is to connect educators with Project Zero ideas and current research on critical and creative thinking strategies.
We Will Explore...
Building a Culture of Thinking
Learning Deeply with Museum Resources
Encouraging Playful Learning, Creativity & a “Maker” Mindset
Fostering Agency in a Changing, Tech-Driven World
The Institute explores four key themes:
Building a Culture of Thinking
How do we develop dispositions that lead to thoughtful learning across school subjects and beyond?
How do we effectively create a culture of thinking that supports all learners?
Learning Deeply with Museum Resources
What can educators and students learn from objects, artworks, and archival materials to enhance curriculum understanding?
How can we leverage the unique museum resources that exist in our communities?
Encouraging Playful Learning, Creativity & a “Maker” Mindset
In response to the challenging times we are living in, how can play, creativity and making re-ignite joy in learning?
How do they help us to be attuned to nuance?
Fostering Agency in a Changing, Tech-Driven World
How do we cultivate students’ capacity to act positively in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world?
How do we lift up young people’s voices and ideas to support them as contributors to their communities?
Institute Details
Location
The 2026 Institute is based at the newly renovated Washington International School Tregaron Campus, with Wednesday dedicated to immersive, full-day learning in Washington, DC museums and cultural sites.
Daily Structure
Each daily structure balances inspiration and application. Morning plenaries introduce key ideas, interactive courses deepen practice, learning groups support reflection, and pop-in art experiences spark creative exploration.
Scholarships
Scholarships and discounts are available, including the Mara E. Wilson Scholarship for a local visual arts teacher, with priority for Title I educators, plus reduced rates for licensure programs and teams of 3+.Email elise.stephenson@wis.edu for application.
