The office of Professional Learning and Community Education (PLACE) ensures that the knowledge fostered within the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has global impact. Using the expertise of faculty, staff, and community stakeholders, PLACE designs and supports professional and community learning programs in education, the arts, and health. By building meaningful relationships with individuals invested in professional development and lifelong learning, PLACE represents the Wisconsin Idea in action.
Featured Programs
Maker Educator Leadership Certificate Program
Engage in making, conversations, and job-embedded professional development to ground maker-based learning experiences in evidence of student learning and engagement.
January 2027 - November 2027
Teacher Studio
Teacher Studio is a hybrid learning community for formal and informal educators interested in hands-on, maker-based learning.
October 2026 - May 2027
PLACE Exchange: A Forum for Educators, Families & Communities
A forum where UW–Madison School of Education faculty and staff join educational and organizational leaders, families, and community members to discuss timely education topics related to pre-K-12 and the broader lifespan.
More Professional Learning Programs
We host conferences, symposia, and workshops for educators, artists, health professionals, and community members.
Read moreProgram Design
We collaborate with School of Education departments and units to translate ideas and research into innovative, engaging learning experiences. We also offer a wide range of services to offices across campus as well as schools, districts, and community organizations.
Community Outreach
Whoopensocker
Whoopensocker Education is a residency that uses theater as a tool to teach creative writing and social-emotional skills. Our ensemble of teaching artists brings a toolbox of new ideas to the classroom to create a dynamic community-building experience for the whole class.
For six weeks, Whoopensocker’s teaching artists encourage students to share their great ideas through writing and performance. Whoopensocker’s six-week residency is ideal for elementary schools.
Professional Learning
Disillusioning AI
Are you an educator in higher education who works with diverse students? Are you intent on creating more diverse, classroom environments? Have you been dabbling with artificial intelligence (AI) on your own? Are you interested in learning how it might or might not support your work in the classroom in responsible and equitable ways? Join us for this year’s Disillusioning AI Fellowship for Universities of Wisconsin Educators!
Community-Led Partnerships
Goodman Community Center Staff Professional Development
Goodman Community Center requested professional development based on Dr. Erica Halverson's book, How Arts Education Saves the World and PLACE's expertise in Arts and Social and Emotional Learning practices.
Conference and Event Planning
We have an experienced staff of conference managers and event planners to handle all of the behind the scenes logistics to ensure that your event is a success! Services include registration, venue selection, website design and hosting, marketing, travel, lodging, financial management, attendee materials, onsite support and more.
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