Insights from Our First Portrait Activators
- CFL
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Activating Change
Key Insights
Activation begins with educators who connect deeply with their communities, turning vision into real, learner-centered change.
True engagement is sparked when professional learning centers relevance, relationships, reflection and when educators are trusted as designers of the future.
In our previous blog, we introduced the Portrait Activators initiative, highlighting how committed School Design Teams initiated a statewide shift toward learner-centered innovation rooted in the Portrait of a Nevada Learner. These teams, a part of the Nevada Future of Learning Network facilitated by the Center for the Future of Learning, demonstrated that meaningful change begins at the local level, led by educators who understand their communities and students deeply.
With the completion of the Network's Portrait Activators Virtual Learning Sprints, we are now able to share how educators — including classroom teachers, building leaders, and department of education professionals — bring the Portrait to life in their everyday practice. This is where a shared vision becomes tangible action.
At the core of the Portrait Virtual Activator Sprints is student engagement, grounded in the research of Dr. Phillip Schlechty. His framework reminds us that true engagement goes beyond compliance. It involves cognitive investment, emotional connection, and a strong sense of purpose. Educators explored how to create learning experiences that foster this kind of deep engagement through the lens of the Portrait of a Nevada Learner.
Over 60 educators assembled as self-organized site teams across five districts and the Nevada Department of Education participated, bringing curiosity, courage, and care to their work. Their efforts reshaped classrooms into spaces that are learner-driven and rooted in possibility.
Activation in Classrooms
Participants consistently expressed a desire for professional learning that is relevant, reflective, and directly connected to their daily work with students.
86% reported a deeper understanding of the Portrait of a Nevada Learner
84% felt more confident applying it in their classrooms and interactions with students
As one participant noted:
“This was the first time PD felt built for us—our voices, our context. It felt like a conversation, not a lecture.”
Activation Through Relationships
Relationships emerged as a vital force behind the work. From the first session, participants built trust across roles, grade levels, and districts.
Over 90% felt a strong sense of connection with others in the group
Many identified these relationships as the most valuable aspect of the experience
This outcome was not incidental. The experience was designed to center belonging and collaboration, allowing educators to bring their full selves into the work.
Educators Designing the Future
Participants moved beyond conceptual understanding to reimagine their learning environments. They piloted student-led projects, redesigned feedback systems, and hosted community showcases. Each effort reflected a commitment to student strengths and aspirations.
As one educator shared:
“I began to see my classroom as a lab for possibility. That felt powerful and freeing.”
These moments illustrate that educators are not simply adapting to change; they are actively shaping it.
Continuing the Journey
While this first cohort has concluded, the work of activation continues. The program was always intended to serve as a launchpad for ongoing reflection, collaboration, and impact.
94% expressed interest in deepening their practice with the Portrait
89% indicated a desire to support others in doing the same
There is a clear demand for continued opportunities to connect, learn, and lead; this is the purpose of the Nevada Future of Learning Network. Our CFL Team is building on the momentum of this first phase as we advance the network and . More activators will join the work in the next school year, and we will have artifacts of impact to share, steal, build, and refine upon.