Nathan Strenge Senior Learning Designer
Nathan’s aha moment in education came when he discovered a pattern: schools designed to help all learners thrive use time and space to develop student agency and create roles that cultivate trusting relationships.”
Nathan’s drive to transform education comes through his belief that all people deserve to learn in an environment that adapts to their unique gifts and needs. As an innovative teacher of ten years, Nathan found that schools that truly support all learners are built on a foundation of deep relationships, designed for a learner-centered paradigm. Furthermore, he discovered the interdependence of time, space, and roles; and how they must be aligned to achieve the 21st-century goals that most schools aspire to. For students to become engaged citizens, curious learners, critical thinkers, complex problem solvers, empathetic listeners…an integrated ecosystem needs to be purposely designed with students, parents, and teachers as authentic collaborators.
Since Nathan has joined Fielding International as a Senior Learning Designer, he has invested in network building to be at the forefront of education innovation through human-centered design. Nathan serves as USA Country Lead at HundrED and is an active member of Education Reimagine’s Learning Lab. In spring 2020, he leveraged this network to lead a global COVID response series called From Gathering to Transformation with 1,000+ participants from all across the globe.
Nathan’s work with clients involves facilitating student, teacher, and community discovery workshops to align parts of a school’s ecosystem to help all learners thrive. His workshops are designed to be inclusive and interactive.
Nathan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Augustana University majoring in Mathematics and Secondary Education, and has graduate training in strategic planning and leadership from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters, going on walks, and playing all sorts of games with friends.
Nathan challenged and supported us to be brave and to be forward-thinking educators to assist us to see what education could be... [W]e have worked so hard to move away from the conventional system with [Nathan's] help and continue to revolutionize education here at Belgrade Brooten Elrosa.”
Nathan in the News
2023 Annual Impact Report
Introducing Fielding International's 2023 Annual Impact Report: Leading as a Certified B Corporation™ Join us in celebrating our milestone achievement as the first school design firm to earn B Corp certification. Our Impact Report showcases our dedication to using business for good, highlighting our commitment to people, projects, and communities worldwide. Explore our impactful initiatives from the past year and goals for 2024 as we contribute to solving global challenges. What does it mean to be a Certified B Corporation™? Fielding International has the honor of being the first school design company to receive B Corp certification, joining a global movement of companies committed to using business as a force for good. Together, we are a community of businesses using our collective power to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change, inequality, and—in our position—education. B Corp certification is a rigorous process that evaluates a company’s social and environmental impact, accountability, and transparency. By becoming a B Corp, we are committing to a higher standard of social and environmental performance, along with ethical practice. Moving forward, Fielding International committed to using our position as a B Corp to drive positive change in our industry and beyond.
The Universal Truth: "Seeing is Believing"
See it. Believe it. Learn from it. By Nathan Strenge For millennia, humankind has followed a universal truth: "Seeing is believing." When we witness with our own eyes the marvels and innovations of the world, our perspective undergoes a transformation. Today, I invite you to embark on a journey that speaks to the power of seeing something radically student-centered firsthand. Imagining Vs. Experiencing Education is evolving in many ways, and the physical environment must align with the grand visions we have for authentic student-center learning. Where traditional classrooms once reigned supreme, the Learning Communities model is illuminating a new path for educators worldwide. Many people understand this in theory but have a hard time processing exactly what this looks like. Take a moment: Try to picture a variety of dynamic spaces purposefully designed to foster active, engaging, and collaborative teaching & learning. What came to mind? Was it hard to imagine? Many find that picturing something without firsthand contact can be extremely difficult. Perhaps you’ve experienced this sensation yourself the first time you embarked upon a place you’d only seen pictures of in the past. If you have, you likely understand there’s something about being in a place that simply cannot be replicated through descriptions, pictures, or even videos. There’s something magical about being immersed in a place. It’s no different when we try to appreciate what’s possible in schools. Global Learning Commons Recently, Fielding International introduced the Global Learning Commons - a network aimed at bringing together innovative educators and leaders. To truly comprehend the power of radically student-centered environments, we facilitated our inaugural trip to one of our recent projects: South Clearfield Elementary in South Clearfield, Utah. South Clearfield Elementary stands as a beacon of modern educational methodology and design. Serving a diverse K-6 public school student body, with 70% qualifying for free or reduced lunch, it's a testament to the school's mission to provide equitable opportunities for all. The decision to implement Learning Communities was driven by a desire to grant students more autonomy throughout their day. The school environment is captivating with inclusive Learning Communities and a welcoming school heart. The entrance embodies a family room with a fireplace and nature murals that showcase local scenery, fostering a sense of belonging and reverence for the natural world. Its design is accentuated by superior acoustics, ample streams of natural light, and breathtaking vistas, ensuring a serene learning environment. The school also boasts of pronounced indoor-outdoor connections, blending the boundaries of learning and integrating nature's tranquility into everyday lessons. The building is a learning tool for sustainability, as it produces more energy than it uses. Witnessing the Future of Education The first Global Learning Commons took a group of educators, district leaders and facilities directors from Ann Arbor Public Schools. They are working on how the physical environment can be a catalyst for transformation, and came to see South Clearfield with specific look-fors in mind - they wanted to see flexibility, empowerment, collaboration, and integration and work to understand how environments and systems can work together to support the goals. By their own testimony, the experience was transformative. The facilities staff delved deep into the architecture of a Learning Community school, while educators exchanged invaluable insights from teachers and the students of South Clearfield. Robert Kinghorn, South Clearfield’s principal for four years, remarked, “Kids are showing mastery in so many ways.” He added, “Our grades are connected as communities, not just as a bunch of isolated classrooms.” One young 2nd-grade teacher, a product of South Clearfield’s embedded Teacher’s Academy, passionately shared, “Teaching is so hard to do in isolation” and mentioned how much she's able to learn by being in such a collaborative environment. The Academy she went through is part of South Clearfield Elementary, a collaboration between several local teaching colleges and universities; it plays a pivotal role in ensuring that budding teachers are seasoned within such innovative environments. The students, brimming with autonomy, were enthused about the myriad spaces they could explore and inhabit during their school day. The joy they felt was almost tangible, with one Kindergarten teacher at South Clearfield sharing, “My favorite thing is the flexibility. I have options to bring kids to different places.” Yet, it wasn’t just about flexibility. The educators were particularly vocal about the challenges and rewards of moving from solitary classrooms to this vibrant, collective domain. But the overarching sentiment was clear, as voiced by a 3rd Grade Teacher talking with her peers, “All of our students benefit from all of our strengths.” Why Experiencing Is Essential It's critical to understand why physically experiencing this shift in educational spaces is so pivotal. Most adults in America have grown up with the conventional classroom model, making it difficult to fathom anything different. The Ann Arbor facilities team was no exception. However, upon immersing themselves in the space, one member commented, “Actually seeing the building, it feels like less of a leap.” Another added, “I was really impressed by the acoustics. I wasn’t expecting that.” In the words of an Ann Arbor Principal, “A virtual tour or pictures don’t do it justice.” This emphasizes the unmatched value of being present, absorbing the ambiance, and feeling the palpable difference. One Ann Arbor leader’s reflection sums it up, “It is so important to see the student agency at work! Hearing from teachers and administrators who validate what you are seeing is really impactful. Being able to experience a school environment that is focused on student-centered learning allows you to take back real stories for your team and gives a glimpse of the future for your school.” The Potential of the Learning Community Model The Global Learning Commons isn't just another initiative; it's a beckoning to the future of education. It provides a series of engagement platforms, including monthly virtual engagements, cohorts, and invaluable in-person school visits. It’s about learning, sharing, and evolving. And, it’s free to join: fieldingintl.com/network/join/ Answering the Call The time to act is now. The future beckons with a promise of a reimagined education system, one that truly caters to the unique potential of every student. As Margaret Mead beautifully expressed, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." So, come be a part of this change. Join the Global Learning Commons. Witness the magic, believe in it, and let’s shape the future of education together.
Pathfinder Exhibition & Gallery Walk
Fielding International Hosts a Night of Community Engagement and Reimagining Learning Spaces Fielding’s Hummingbird Design Studio in Minneapolis was illuminated more than usual this Fall. We had the honor of hosting the much-anticipated Hopkins Public Schools Pathfinder Exhibition. The evening was nothing short of spectacular, echoing the ethos of innovation and design. https://youtu.be/XhoR2QoOpmc?si=YUPcBR1nXKwy06Nv For those who had the privilege of attending, they were treated to an immersive experience like no other. The event was styled as an interactive gallery, providing a unique backdrop for showcasing design concepts. As attendees walked through, they could dive deep into a virtual reality tour, giving them a chance to virtually step into reimagined learning spaces. The blend of technology and design created a seamless bridge between the present and the future, between imagination and realization. In this exciting collaboration with Hopkins, Fielding International unveiled FIVE groundbreaking "Pathfinder" concepts for the district, each project crafted with the idea of revolutionizing how teachers and students interact with and within learning environments. Anchored by the district's Vision 2031, these concepts signal a new direction in educational space design. The schools under this visionary spotlight include: Alice Smith Elementary - Learn More Meadowbrook Elementary - Learn More North Middle School - Learn More West Middle School - Learn More Hopkins High School - Learn More While the designs were undoubtedly the stars of the show, the evening was more than just a showcase. It was an open invitation for everyone present to share their thoughts, to voice their opinions, and to be part of this transformative journey. Feedback is not just welcomed; it's essential. After all, these spaces are being crafted for the community, and who better to offer insights than the community members themselves? The underlying theme of the night was collaboration. Fielding International and Hopkins Public Schools have joined hands with a shared vision, but we’ve also extended our hands to the community, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. This approach is a testament to the belief that the best designs are those that are shaped through diverse perspectives. For those who missed the event or want to dive back into the experience, keep an eye out for further presentations and feedback sessions. The journey of reimagining the learning spaces has only just begun. Here's to the future of education, to innovation, and to a community that dreams big!
Nathan's Featured Work
Hopkins Public Schools - Pathfinder Projects
Hopkins, Minnesota, USA
High School for Recording Arts
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
