Jill Ackers-Clayton

Director of Education, VS America, Project-Based Learning Author, Learning Spaces Design, PD Services

LANGUAGES SPOKEN
English
CURRENTLY BASED IN
Cuchara, Colorado, USA
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Jill Ackers is an influential educator with nearly three decades of experience across a broad spectrum of the educational sector. Her journey began as a mathematics teacher, evolving into a technology expert after achieving her CCNA & MCSE certifications in Denver, Colorado. Her skills in managing school networks and teaching K-8 technology led her to significant roles in educational leadership.

Her career took a pivotal turn in Dallas, Texas, where she was a key founding member of a K-12 International Baccalaureate STEM school. As the IB Coordinator, Ackers played a crucial role in shaping the school's culture and its successful authorization as an IB World School. Her impactful work continued in higher education, significantly contributing to the development of Southern Methodist University’s first urban principal Master’s Degree program. She also established the city's first dual-language Project-Based Learning (PBL) elementary school, serving as its Elementary Director.

Ackers' professional scope extends internationally, with her conducting workshops for educators around the world. She holds a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development and Elementary Education, an M.Ed. in School Leadership and Administration. Her expertise in designing learning environments was recognized with the Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) certification in 2021.

Her publication, "Developing Natural Curiosity through Project-Based Learning: Five Strategies for the PreK-3 Classroom," highlights her dedication to innovative education. As the Director of Education at VS America, her current role focuses on transforming learning environments, a crucial aspect of impacting student lives daily. This role involves collaborating with architectural firms, interior designers, and furniture vendors globally to create adaptable, flexible, and dynamic learning spaces.

Her work at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) involved designing PBL courses for physics and mathematics professors, she spent three years at Sam Houston State University where she trained professors in project-based learning reimagining courses and course crosswalks to be more experiential, and she also designed a PBL course for Wilkes University, showcasing her versatility in educational development.

At Fielding International, Ackers was instrumental in rethinking learning spaces for innovative education globally, with her efforts reaching nearly all U.S. states and 24 countries. This work includes designing learning environments, community engagement, and leading educational workshops.

Ackers is also known for her commitment to equity in education, advocating for equitable opportunities for all learners through authentic learning experiences. She actively supports educators in developing systems and capacities for impactful 21st-century learning experiences and outcomes for students. 

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