Lindenwood University’s College of Education and Human Services is partnering with QASPIR, a global organization helping schools and institutions unlock student potential through Transformative Learning.

Transformative Learning is an educational model that results in students expanding their perspectives and changing their mindsets. It also requires learners to become aware of biases as they develop the skills to overcome them.

The initiative began in January and consists of several cohorts of teachers from Missouri school districts.

Through this partnership, QASPIR is inviting a select group of K-12 schools to join a 12-week teacher development program in Transformative Learning. This initiative aims to prove the efficacy of Transformative Learning on K-12 students’ ability to develop 21st-century skills and improve teacher retention by building a deeper connection with students.

This partnership is a testament to Lindenwood’s commitment to pursuing innovative ways to improve education and collaborate with educators across the state through hands-on experiences in the classroom.

“The COEHS is thrilled to be a partner with QASPIR in supporting teachers to become transformational educators through this program,” College of Education and Human Services Dean Daniel Kirk said. “Our work alongside school district partners places the student at the heart of instructional practice, and this program will offer another tool to a teacher's belt in delivering high-impact teaching and learning, while helping students grow as learners and individuals. We are looking forward to being a part of this program, and our partnership with QASPIR, as it rolls out across the state, region, and beyond.”

This initiative aims to showcase participating Missouri schools as pioneers of Transformative Learning. It also will share outcomes with school districts nationwide to enable them to begin their own study on the benefits of Transformative Learning.