THE LONG NOW OF EDUCATION IS BORNE OUT OF COLLABORATION.
Each year, the Long Now of Education is hosted by a different partner organization.
HENRY FORD LEARNING INSTITUTE is advancing excellence in education for all by developing dynamic learning environments; new models for teaching, learning and leading; and attention to participants’ wellness through an intentional focus on Shared Purpose, Shared Work and Shared Joy. Largely serving educators and nonprofit leaders, our main beneficiaries are students and their communities. HFLI’s core engagement framework, Deeper Learning by Doing®, brings together a culturally responsive and restorative approach; design thinking tools, methods and mindsets; and research-based instructional practices.
DEBORAH PARIZEK: An experienced nonprofit leader and educator, Deborah is known widely for cultivating the conversations, empathy, and capacity critical to addressing complex challenges. In her role as Executive Director, she leads HFLI’s vision, strategy, and work to advance excellence in education for all by developing dynamic learning environments; new models for teaching, learning and leading, all with HFLI’s signature Deeper Learning by Doing(R) engagement framework; and attention to participants’ wellness through an intentional focus on Shared Purpose, Shared Work and Shared Joy. Before joining HFLI in 2005, Deborah designed and directed extensive teacher leadership development programs for multiple school systems and served as one of the founding teachers of Henry Ford Academy in Dearborn, Michigan. She earned the distinction of Master Teacher from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Deborah earned three degrees, all from the University of Michigan. When she’s not cheering on her beloved Wolverines (Go Blue!), she enjoys spending time with her family at home in Ann Arbor and South Florida, reading books in a wide range of genres, and celebrating special occasions with Carvel ice cream cakes.
At the REDI LAB, students and teachers use a proven inquiry model that builds the confidence needed to think innovatively and design solutions for meaningful community change. In the process, students use design thinking to complete self-chosen projects.
We believe that every person has ideas that add value to the world. We help students refine and share their unique contributions in a space of design, self-discovery, and self-direction. This requires challenging established narratives while exercising agency, equipping students to navigate the complex unknowns of what lies ahead. We see this as the future of learning.
- Research – investigation + self-discovery, not simple opinion
- Entrepreneurship – initiative + innovation, not feigned interest
- Design – creative process + intention, not conventional wisdom
- Inquiry – critical curiosity + consciousness, not ego
PAUL KIM: During his career, Paul has taught everything from kindergarten to college, receiving both teaching and coaching honors along the way. A dozen years ago, Paul used design thinking to transform his teaching practice around inquiry, agency, and creative thinking. He also co-founded the REDI Lab and several other education initiatives. Outside of the classroom, he has co-founded businesses and supported multiple equity initiatives. Paul currently works as a researcher and writer as well as a facilitator and consultant. In his free time, Paul loves to get out and explore cities. He and his wife Tami love to entertain at their home in Denver, Colorado.
TOM THORPE: Co-founder and Director of the REDI Lab at Colorado Academy, Tom brings expertise in design thinking, agency, and futures thinking. With degrees in Anthropology, Religious Studies, and Teaching, Tom’s commitment to education and civic responsibility extends through his board service with organizations including the Rose Community Foundation and Facing History and Ourselves, while pursuing passions in the outdoors with his family. An accomplished facilitator who uses storytelling to unlock new possibilities, Tom approaches challenges with optimism and a firm belief that creativity can solve most problems.
Logo Design: Lisa Kreinbring + Grace Buyers