Our Mission

We passionately study the research in neuroscience and education fields to craft practical tools that energize and equip teachers for optimal effectiveness, and engage students for transformative learning.

To fulfill our mission, we:

 

  • stay informed of current research and maintain memberships in reputable research organizations
  • convert research from neuroscience and education fields into well-designed tools, training, and programs for teachers
  • partner with like-minded teachers, schools, and organizations that are committed to optimal teaching effectiveness
  • equip and mentor instructional leaders
  • teach with an authentic passion for learning
KEVIN D. WASHBURN, ED.D.
Executive Director
Clerestory Learning/Make Way for Books, LLC
kevin@clerestorylearning.com
Twitter: @kdwashburn

 

Instructional Designer, Teacher, Runner

More than 30 years ago Kevin’s passion for teaching and learning began with a classroom full of fourth grade students, and then remedial reading adult students, middle school classrooms, and grew to include professional development participants and instructional leaders.

Since launching Clerestory Learning in 2006, he has distilled findings from diverse scientific research fields, including neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and brain development, to identify educational implications and equip teachers for more confident, effective teaching.

Kevin extensively researches various topics—learning, creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, grit and resilience, instructional design, neuroscience, reading, and writing—discovering and sharing their implications for helping students fulfill their potential. As a certified running coach, Kevin also explores the influence of physical fitness on cognitive function.

Kevin has created the Architecture of Learning instructional design model and its professional development courses, authored the book, The Architecture of Learning: Designing Instruction for the Learning Brain, led the development of the Foundations & Frameworks reading program, and created the Writer’s Stylus instructional writing program and its professional development course. He enjoys traveling and developing relationships with fellow educators as a professional development instructor, conference workshop leader, keynote speaker, graduate professor, curriculum project leader, and educational consultant. He is a marathon runner and never misses a chance to try out the nearest Rails-to-Trail pathways.

JULIA WASHBURN
Business Manager
Clerestory Learning/Make Way for Books, LLC
julia@clerestorylearning.com

Small Business Manager, Fine Art Photographer

Along with overseeing small business operations, Julia seeks to convey the message of Kevin’s presentations and Clerestory Learning programs through carefully designed slide presentations, handouts, and course books that reflect the implications of current design research and its impact on learning and retention.

As co-owner of Clerestory Learning/Make Way for Books, LLC, Julia provides program support for Clerestory Learning programs—Architecture of Learning, Foundations & Frameworks, and Writer’s Stylus—through graphic design, publishing, order fulfillment, and distribution. After years as an accompanist, a growing passion for photography and creative expressions through fine art printing, framing, and more find her with camera in hand, ready to explore the next city on Kevin’s itinerary.

Here are a few organizations with whom we’ve been privileged to work: