In June 2024 the first cohort of graduates completed the EDmarket Certified Learning Place Specialist (ECLPS) program earning the prestigious ECLPS credential. Participants in the inaugural class represented three domains crucial to the success of the learning environment: educators/facility planners; architects/designers; and industry (distributors/manufacturers). Congratulations to the follow changemakers:
- Victoria Brooks-Morlan, ECLPS, Kay-Twelve, LLC
- Dave Broz, ECLPS, Columbia College
- Michael Bruder, ECLPS, Chula Vista Elementary School District
- Ashley Campos, ECLPS, Chula Vista Elementary School District
- Caroline Cooney, ECLPS, Educational Environments
- Christian Frank, ECLPS, MiEN Company Inc.
- Arden Herrington, ECLPS, Educational Environments
- Emily Islip, ECLPS, Smith System Mfg. Co.
- Jim Kemling, ECLPS, Educational Environments
- Jolene Levin, ECLPS, Jolene Levin LLC
- Dustin McDermott, ECLPS, Marco Group, Inc.
- Nicole McGregor, ECLPS, Smith System Mfg. Co.
- Molly Miner, ECLPS, Gibralter Design
- David Reid, AIA, ECLPS, Multistudio
- Mary Sauvageau, ECLPS, Red Thread
- Marisa Sergnese, ECLPS, Steelcase Education
- Courtney Sevigny, ECLPS, VS America, Inc.
- Andrea Stingone, ECLPS, Hillsborough County Public Schools
These trailblazing individuals each demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their professional development, tirelessly working through rigorous coursework, in person dialog, and challenging assessments. Their determination and resilience have paid off, culminating in this well-deserved recognition as members of the inaugural cohort of ECLPS. This significant milestone not only highlights the dedication and hard work of our graduates but also sets a new standard of excellence within the educational facilities industry.
“The ECLPS program challenged my current understanding and knowledge and reinforced what we need to do as stewards of learning environments,” says Victoria Morlan, Kay-Twelve, Director of Business Development. “I get goosebumps as I think about what the future holds and how we are revolutionizing education and how we teach and learn.”
ECLPS was designed to bridge the gap between research-based theoretical knowledge and practical application. The curriculum, meticulously crafted by ECLPS Director Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and featuring an impressive group of more than 77 industry experts, ensures that each graduate is equipped with the most current and relevant knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s rapidly evolving learning environment landscape. Graduates received 32 AIA accredited CEUs and professional development units over 10 months.
“When asked to have a seat at the design table, I now have a research-based approach to ask the right questions to help steer my team into a future thinking mindset,” says Andrea Stingone, Department Manager, Planning & Siting Growth Management – Hillsborough Conty Public Schools.
By completing this program, our graduates have not only honed their technical abilities but have also developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. These attributes are essential for driving innovation and achieving success as we continue to evolve educational settings to incorporate new pedagogies and emerging technologies.
“The ECLPS program has inspired me to create a stronger set of tools, methods, and processes to guide all our firm’s school design work in a way that is more consistent, and more thorough on every project,” says David Reid, Principal at Multistudio. “Every client deserves this!”
We are excited to see the impact the ECLPS grads will make and the leadership they will bring to new educational facilities and beyond.
As our first cohort applies their learning to their careers, we are confident that they will make significant contributions to learning communities across the nation. This newly acquired certification is a testament to their expertise and readiness to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We are excited to see the impact the ECLPS grads will make and the leadership they will bring to new educational facilities and beyond.
“One of the biggest takeaways from ECLPS is that our projects are far more than just an opportunity for a school to refresh its learning environments with newer and more comfortable furniture,” says Christian Frank, Mein, Midwest Regional Director. “This is a chance for them to reconsider everything they’re doing, including major updates in curriculum, teaching and learning styles or even school culture.”
This achievement would not have been possible without our sponsors’ support and guidance of our dedicated instructors, mentors, and administrative staff. Their unwavering commitment to excellence has been instrumental in the success of our graduates and the overall success of the certification program. Special thank you to Dr. Lennie Scott-Weber, Dave Broz, Jolene Levin, and Heather Tuley for their gifts of time and expertise in improving our industry.
The graduation of this first cohort is just the beginning. EDmarket is committed to continuously improving and expanding the ECLPS certification program to ensure that it remains at the forefront of industry standards and excellence. Our goal is to empower more professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their careers and make a difference in their communities. Enrollment for the second cohort is open, and classes will begin in September this year. There are limited seats available, so don’t delay registering.
The ECLPS 2023-24 graduates will be recognized at the EDspaces Plenary Session and EDmarket Leadership Roundup in Houston, Texas this fall. We are immensely proud of each of our ECLPS graduates who are now part of a distinguished group of ECLPS certified professionals who have set a high bar for excellence. As they continue to strive for greatness, EDmarket is here to support them every step of the way. Join the next cohort and be among the leaders making remarkable contributions to the educational facilities industry!