Elliot Washor
Co-founder and Director of New Ways, Forms and Measure Big Picture Learning
Teaches:
Big Picture Learning
Elliot Washor, Ed.D. is the co-founder of Big Picture Learning and The Met Center in Providence, RI. With over 50 years in education, he has served as a teacher, principal, administrator, writer, and innovator in school reform. His work spans K–college levels, urban and rural settings, and a wide range of disciplines.
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Elliot’s contributions center on reimagining school design, pedagogy, and assessment—championing real-world learning through strong community connections. His vision for Big Picture Learning as a “do-think-do” organization has shaped its global impact, especially for students in underserved communities.
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He has received numerous accolades, including the Ford Foundation’s Innovations in Government Award and recognition by the George Lucas Educational Foundation as one of the “Daring Dozen” educators worldwide.
masterclass HIGHLIGHTS
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Makes the Case for Learning with Purpose and Passion
Washor shows how connecting education to students’ real interests transforms motivation, engagement, and long-term success.
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Reimagines the Role of Educators as Designers of Learning Environments
Educators are called to create contexts—not just content—that support curiosity, agency, and deep learning beyond the classroom.
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Highlights the Power of Advisory and Authentic Relationships
Grounded in decades of practice, Washor explores how strong advisory structures can help students feel seen, supported, and capable of thriving.
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Challenges One-Size-Fits-All Measures of Success
This masterclass pushes back on standardized metrics, advocating instead for personalized learning goals rooted in student voice and real-world relevance.
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Draws from Proven Models Like Big Picture Learning
With rich storytelling and actionable examples, Washor shares a blueprint for transforming schools into communities where students learn by doing—and by being known.
MASTERCLASS TRAILER
Program
Education Transformation
Education Transformation is a future-focused program designed to equip educators and administrators with the frameworks, strategies, and tools to reimagine learning for the modern world. This masterclass suite explores how to move beyond traditional models by integrating continuous improvement practices, aligning learning environments with real-world relevance, and fostering cultures of innovation. Participants will examine the power of industry credentials, the impact of messaging to families and prospective students, and the importance of bold design in learning spaces. By spotlighting forward-thinking approaches like Big Picture Learning and Opportunity On-Ramps, this program empowers institutions to lead systemic change and prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce.
WORKFORCE
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