Progressive Education Network National Conference Reflection

Over my 33 years as an educator, teacher, and librarian in Winnetka, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of progressive education. Rooted in the philosophies of Dewey, Piaget, and Vygotsky, Winnetka’s approach has historically centered on fostering curiosity, creativity, and community through experiential learning.

Students Actively Learning (I'm Pretty Sure This Is My Classroom Circa 1940ish The Winnetka Historical Society)

Attending the Progressive Education Network (PEN) Conference at Wickliffe Progressive School—a public school fully dedicated to these principles—felt like reconnecting with the ideals that first inspired me to teach and a powerful reminder of their relevance today.

FOUNDING PEN BOARD MEMBERS ON THE EVE OF THE FIRST NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN 2007. FROM LEFT, MAUREEN CHEEVER, TERRY STRAND, JOHN PECORE, KATY DALGLEISH, KATE MCLELLAN BLAKER, LISA SHAPIRO, TOM LITTLE.

The PEN Conference holds personal significance for me. I have attended these gatherings since their inception in 2007, when my extraordinary principal, Dr. Maureen Cheever, encouraged our team to attend the first conference in San Francisco. Her visionary leadership helped establish this vibrant network and set a standard for supporting progressive educators. Dr. Cheever later served as PEN’s president and continues to influence the organization by working with principals nationwide. Her dedication and that of so many progressive educators I’ve been fortunate to work alongside give me hope for our shared future.

A Poster From the Innagural
Progressive Education Conference in San Francisco

This year’s conference theme, The Space Between How Progressive Education Fosters Curiosity, Creativity, Community, and Connection, explored the dynamic tension between contemporary educational challenges and the opportunities for innovation. With its legacy of interdisciplinary teaching and authentic learning, Wickliffe Progressive School provided an inspiring backdrop. Keynotes from leaders like Dr. Liza Talusan and José Vilson, along with workshops addressing equity, creativity, and identity, reinforced that progressive education is not only a philosophy but a necessity for cultivating engaged and empathetic learners.

As we reflect on our Portrait of a Graduate and Portrait of an Educator, I see these ideals reflected in our district’s century-long history of progressive practice. However, the standardized mandates of recent decades have often pulled us away from our roots. This conference reminded me of what is possible when we re-center our commitment to student agency, experiential learning, and whole-child development. We can honor our history by reigniting these principles while preparing Winnetka students to thrive as thoughtful, connected citizens in an ever-changing world.

Through this experience, I am reinvigorated in my commitment to progressive education and eager to share these insights with my colleagues. Together, we can celebrate the legacy that shaped our work and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring Winnetka continues to lead as a beacon of progressive education.