The Modern Classrooms Project is a teacher-created nonprofit that empowers educators to build classrooms that respond to every student’s needs. We lead a movement of educators in implementing a self-paced, mastery-based instructional model that leverages technology to foster human connection, authentic learning, and social-emotional growth.

This program is a self-paced, mentor-supported course that teaches participants how to build a Modern Classroom. It’s all in the name:

• Virtual: Online and asynchronous (with optional live sessions), giving participants the flexibility to complete learning at a time that works for them.

• Mentorship: Each participant is paired with an Expert Mentor, who will support them in adapting our model to their classroom and their learners’ unique needs.

• Program: A cohort-based course with information, resources, live sessions, and required submissions.

At the end of the program, each participant will have three fully planned blended, self-paced, mastery-based lessons, plus the tools and knowledge to create more. If they’re using a specific curriculum or tool, an Expert Mentor can offer guidance and advice on leveraging them in a Modern Classroom. Each participant will be able to launch their own Modern Classroom right away!

We’ve seen our approach work for learners in all grade levels and subject areas, from pre-K through college.

While our model can work for everyone, we offer grade- and subject-specific content throughout the program:

• Resources and examples in specific subjects/grade levels

• A mentor who teaches content similar to the participant

• Optional live discussion groups with similar educators

Need to see some examples of Modern Classrooms in a specific grade or content area? Explore a few classrooms here.

During the program, participants learn through videos made by Modern Classrooms staff who were once classroom teachers using our methods.

Each person who enrolls works closely with an Expert Mentor who uses the Modern Classrooms approach in their classroom and has been specially trained to give research-backed feedback. They understand grade and subject-area needs, and they tailor their feedback and support based on their mentees’ goals and preferences.

During the program, each participant (or “mentee”) experiences blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning firsthand. We’ll introduce our core practices, and mentees apply them by creating materials to use with their own students. An Expert Mentor reviews every submission of materials (five total) and provides detailed feedback. The mentor is also available for phone or email support when their mentees need it.

At the end of the program, each mentee leaves with three complete lessons that they can use with their students. This includes a self-paced learning tracker, mastery checks and instructional videos for each lesson, and detailed plans for student collaboration and systems.

Learn more about each submission here.

Participants can expect to work between 25-30 hours during each session. The training dates vary by session:

School-Year Sessions (October and January start dates):

• The session runs for 12 weeks

• Estimated three hours of work per week

• Suggested submission deadlines every two weeks

• 1-2 live webinars or discussion groups offered each week (optional)

Summer Sessions (May and June start dates):

• The session runs for five weeks

• Estimated six hours of work per week

• Suggested submission deadlines each week on Sundays

• 2-4 live workshops, webinars, and discussion groups offered each week (optional)

Participants complete modules in an online course at their own pace. They can decide when, where, and how long they work through each module based on their schedules.

Before the session’s start date, participants receive a session guide with dates and times for optional live sessions as well as dates of suggested deadlines.

Administrators and instructional coaches have differentiated learning tasks that help them support Modern Classroom educators in their schools or districts. We also have leader-specific courses and programming designed to help instructional and building leaders support educators who complete the mentorship program.

Paraprofessionals, co-teachers, or pre-service educators are welcome to enroll; however, we recommend enrolling with a colleague if they are not responsible for designing lessons on their own.

The Virtual Mentorship Program costs $750 per person. This fee pays the Expert Mentor for their time spent reviewing submissions and giving feedback, as well as the administrative costs of enrollment and training.

Leaders who are starting their first pilot of Modern Classrooms training may qualify for bulk discounts on the program. Email engagement@modernclassrooms.org to learn more.