Ethical Creativity Institute

This summer I had an amazing experience attending The Ethical Creativity Institute.  This Institute is the brainchild of these inspiring educators: Nicholas Cole-Farrel, Sandee Bisson and Dan Glass from the Brandeis School in San Fransisco, and a perfect example of what can happen when like-minded innovators get together to plan a week of learning, making and introspection for Jewish educators. Throughout the week several presenters, including Ellen Deutscher, Leslie Roffman, founder of the Little School, and Ariel Raz from the d.School, came to the Institute to share their wisdom on topics of empathy and design thinking. We participated in text studies with community rabbis on the subject of Judaism and creativity, as well as discussing our own Jewish identity.  We were given many opportunities to explore our own creative side.  We tinkered with circuits with the owners of The Wonderful Idea Co.  We went on field trips to the Contemporary Jewish Museum and visited the Jewish Studio Project.  We collaborated with others on ideas for programs and curriculum in our individual schools. We shared many a meal, during which discussions were had and personal connections were made.

Here are my take aways from the Institute:

1. What is Ethical Creativity?  

We discussed a lot about how we are the ones defining this intricate idea.  As a group we brainstormed what it meant to us and after looking at my notes here is my definition: Ethical Creativity is the idea of using empathy and human centered design to spark creative thinking and learning, within the framework of Judaic ethics and values.  At the very heart of Ethical Creativity is empathy, which allows us to make space for new ideas.  

2. What is does it mean to be creative?  

It is a process just like any other kind of learning or teaching.  This was HUGE for me.  This week I learned that while an idea might be sparked, going through a creative process to produce a piece of art/writing/music etc., only enhances the creative output.

3. What is design thinking? 

Design thinking is the process that incorporates human thinking into your design for a problem you are trying to solve.  It allows you to see "problems as opportunities".  It asks the questions "How Might We?" and then gives us a tool to figure out a solution to whatever the problem is.

Another huge takeaway from the Institute are the connections I made.  The cohort of teachers I met are ones that I will keep in touch with to collaborate with, share ideas, ask questions of, and reach out to in order to continue the important and fabulous work we have only just begun.