WELCOME and THANK YOU for reading! This newsletter covers what happened in June and will give you a heads up on what to look for in the months following.

In this issue (please note the links below will only work when viewing this newsletter in a browser):

The next board meeting is July 2, 2025

7:30 to 9:00pm Eastern

(00:30 to 02:00 UTC)

As always, ALL board members and directors are welcome!

Zoom information is available on the Member’s site

My vision for the Academy is shaped by my experiences and observations ever since becoming a member of the Process Education (PE) community in 2014. Having a prior professional public-service career until 2007, attending the 2014 annual PE conference was decidedly a watershed moment in multiple ways. I joined the Academy at the insistence of another PE member and academic, Masila Mutisya. And although the opportunity of learning new methodologies to improve learner success was enough of a compelling reason for an aspiring academic, it describes only half of my motivation of the pursuit. Over the years, I have come to deeply appreciate the privilege of being a member of an entire community of incredibly supportive scholars and professionals—a genuinely harmonizing half of my quest.

Thus, my 2014 conference experience began with a first-ever complimentary lift from airport to conference site by the veteran PE scholar Peter Smith, followed by a three-day blend of wonderment and skepticism. During the first morning break, I recall asking another attendee if he had any understanding of PE; or, was he also a newcomer like myself. True to his humble disposition, this yet another seasoned scholar; Steve Beyerlein, simply replied, “well, I have attended before but will be happy to answer your questions.” Our discussion lasted well beyond the break. At the time, I had no idea that a simple group-dinner outing will open up a world of new possibilities that continue until this day. Where else would a newbie liberal-arts academic could get help from a nuclear physicist such as Tris Utschig, in setting up a research plan by mining data from her own classrooms? Since then, I have lost count of the one-on-one mentoring sessions, continual guidance and candid assessments of my performance from not only Dan Apple; the founding scholar of the movement called Process Education, but a score of other dedicated mentors as well.

My first goal is to help expand the Academy’s membership base, which isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the impact. A diverse membership will help generate multifold ideas and that collective synergy will help advance PE scholarship among a much wider audience. However, creation of a continually stronger and sustained membership-base obligates an honest assessment of the strengths, improvements and insights, followed by realistic and feasible strategies. For instance, a simple idea may involve each of the existing members introducing PE’s foundational concepts in recruiting three new members each year. Personally, I have been successful in achieving that goal multiple times. Yet, the challenge remains on sustained memberships beyond that first year—a common pathology faced by most professional organizations. As another strategy, why not capitalize on the organization’s unique attribute; mentoring, as one of its value-added advantages? Obviously, this too will obligate a methodical outreach plan of aligning our respective network partners in forging a lasting, mutually rewarding venture. I have asked and am happy to share that President-elect Josh Morrison has accepted to spearhead the membership campaign in the upcoming months.

My second goal is an intuitive extension of the first. Going back to that first conference in 2014, and immediately following the opening day’s plenary session, I felt completely lost. Why? Because of a purported fun activity called ‘Treasure Hunt.’ Having no prior knowledge of the PE concepts, I felt rather alienated. However, that experience also helped affirm my preference for simplicity since far too often great ideas get lost in unintentional complexity. Fortunately, such challenges can easily be overcome with thoughtful planning to ensure engaging experiences for all. The Academy’s multi-dimensional flexibility is evident in Tris Utschig’s holistic yet simply-stated must-read introductory resource “PE in a Nutshell,” which is readily accessible on the Academy’s website in descriptive and visual formats.

My third goal involves consistent and proactive support of the PE philosophy’s core value, learner success, in all forms of dissemination, including the International Journal of Process Education (IJPE). I am happy to share that my recent discussion with its chief editor Kathy Burke was quite synergistic in our mutually-shared objectives of simplicity and inclusion of articles from all levels of PE theorists and practitioners -- novices and veterans alike.

The fourth goal focuses one of the parting achievements of the preceding president, Patrick Barlow. Internationalization of the Academy promises exciting new possibilities and action plans. Together, these four goals propel the planning of our next year’s conference along with finalization of the meeting location in southern California.

To summarize, engaging with PE’s dedicated professionals inspires my focus on expanding our membership and simplification of our outreach to continually foster learner growth, diversity, and scholastic innovation capitalizing the national and global assets. With support of the 2025 Board members and PE community as a team, I look forward to achieving these goals in the days ahead.

Dear Academy colleagues

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as board President for the past two years. As a young teacher I was focused myself and it took me some time to understand that my focus needed to be on the needs of the students. I needed to help them understand the process of learning and their own capabilities. When I began my involvement with the Academy more than a decade ago, I knew very little about the Academy. I’ve since learned so much from the talented team of educators who have contributed so much to the student success movement. I’m very grateful for those experiences and relationships. Here are some of the many gifts I’m most grateful for:

• Amazing relationships that have supported my journey as a member of the Academy.
• The professionalism of our support staff affectionately known as “Team Norway!
• Learning that our Academy is a dynamic organization with longtime dedicated members.
• Experiencing the clearly articulated PE focus on sharing strategies that foster student success.
• Observing the continued work toward fostering self-growth for our members.
• Recognizing the Importance and focus on assessment as it relates to growth of both students and educators.

My journey has not been without twists and turns as we continue to learn how to productively work together. There have been well-intentioned projects that did not get off the ground and others proposed but left incomplete. As we continue to grow and recruit members, we need to stay focused on projects that support the mission of student success. I am hopeful for three specific projects that will require the support dedicated members to help guide the Academy into an even more productive and dynamic future.

• The continuation of the fostering Self-Growth movement.
• The Internationalization of the Academy.
• The emerging use of AI to reach new audiences.

Thanks to all of the members of the Academy for supporting and partitioning in reaching our goals.

The 2024-2025 Awards Committee is deeply honored to recognize these outstanding colleagues and congratulates each honoree of the respective award!

Awards Committee: Chaya Jain (Chair), Patrick Barlow, Steve Beyerlein, Peter Smith, Tris Utschig

Criteria:

President’s Exemplary Service Award  To recognize those special individuals who exemplify the qualities of servant leadership.

• Be on the Academy Board and exceed the performance criteria for any defined role
• Engagement at Academy events, volunteering and serving as needed
• Act with consummate professionalism and accountability in meeting responsibilities
• Work towards the continuous improvement, advancement, and prosperity of the Academy
• Seek to serve the interests of others through working to maximize their participation in Academy events and programs

Distinguished Process Educator Award  This award is intended to recognize individual accomplishment over a period of years in two or more of the following areas:

• Substantive contribution to scholarship in teaching/learning that supports the theory and practice of Process Education
• Innovation in curriculum and/or program design that promotes life-long learning skills and academic success
• Facilitation of exemplary personal and professional learning outcomes among diverse student audiences
• Delivery of faculty development events

Longstanding Contributor to the Academy of Process Educators Award  This award is intended to recognize significant service to the Academy of Process Educators over a period of at least 5 years in two or more of the following areas:

• Elected or appointed membership on the Academy Board of Directors and active involvement in the work of the Board
• Attendance at the annual conferences and volunteering for one or more of the many conference roles.
• Leadership in establishing/improving a local Academy chapter or supporting Academy-sponsored campus events during the academic year.
• Participation on the editorial board as well as mentoring prospective authors in article preparation for the International Journal of Process Education.

The Academy’s Newest Star Award  This award recognizes a new member (three years or less) of the Academy of Process Educators who:

• Displayed a passion for Process Education
• Exhibited a desire to further the mission of the Academy
• Has presented in at least one conference
• Has volunteered in one or more activities or supporting roles within the Academy

Best IJPE Article Award  This award is intended to recognize an individual author or group of co-authors that published the strongest article in the current volume of the IJPE. The strength of the article is based on the following criteria:

• Quality and clarity of writing
• Significance of the results
• Potential impact for the PE community

From the Editorial Board

Articles in this volume (click any title to view)

• Transforming Deming’s Cycle to a Growth Cycle  (Mohamed El-Sayed, Kathleen Burke, Grace Onodipe, Dan Apple, Wade Ellis)
  
  
• A Starting Point for Choosing QoL Criteria for Self-Growth  (Grace Onodipe, Tim Shenk, Kathleen Burke)
  
  
• The Self-Growth Journey: Transforming Mindset, Consciousness and Motivation  (Cy Leise, Dan Apple, Wade Ellis)
  
  
• Human-to-Human Relationship Model as a Strategy for Student (and Teacher) Success  (Knut Are Romann-Aas, Denna Hintze)
  
  
• An Overview of the International Journal of Process Education: 2014 to the Present  

Step Into Your Intentional Growth — Fully, Freely, Forever

University of Indianapolis | RB Anis Hall, Room 116
8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Daily (Lunches and snacks provided)
Dinner Break: 5:00–7:00 PM
(Evening sessions optional for UIndy faculty and staff; required for all other participants)

This Time, It’s Your Growth — Not Someone Else’s

You’ve followed others’ growth plans before. You’ve tried programs, workshops, advice columns. But when the structure disappears, so does the change.

At the Self-Growth Institute, we guide you to build what lasts:

A self-directed, intentional growth practice you can lead, sustain, and deepen — week by week.

Why “Intentional Growth”?

Because true transformation doesn’t happen by accident — or by default. It happens when you choose to:

• Reflect with Insight
• Act with Intention
• Build with Ingenuity
• Sustain with Inner Strength
• Grow with Others, not under them

This is how we move beyond motivation and into self-authored momentum.

Your Horizon Self: The Destination You Define

At the Self-Growth Institute, we replace the abstract “Ideal Self” with something more real and reachable: Your Horizon Self — the next best version of you, just beyond today’s edge.

You’ll learn to:

• Visualize this next version clearly
• Align your week with your vision
• Script your time to reduce noise and amplify meaning
• Use weekly reflection to create real forward motion
• Track your progress with your own Quality of Life (QoL) Index

A Weekly Framework That Works

You’ll leave with a full Self-Growth Framework that helps you:

• Turn your week into a workshop for becoming
• Use setbacks as setup for breakthroughs
• Prioritize what gives life meaning
• Move from “I should grow” to “I know how to grow”

This is not a performance. This is a practice — and a philosophy.

What Participants Say...

“I left knowing how to design my own growth — not just follow a plan.” — Auston Van Slyke, GE Renewable Energy

“For the first time, I stopped chasing the ideal and started building the real.” — Ingrid Ulbrich, Academic Success Leader

“It changed how I see time, purpose, and the person I’m becoming.” — Matthew Watts, Mathematics Faculty

Cost & Commitment

• Tuition: $1,500
• Discounted Rate: $500 (for Phase III Self-Growth Project participants)
• University of Indianapolis Faculty/Staff: Fully funded by the university

✔ Includes lunches, snacks, full Institute agenda, and a digital copy of The Professional’s Guide to Self-Growth

Location & Daily Rhythm

• Dates: August 4–8, 2025
• Location: University of Indianapolis, RB Annis Hall, Room 116
• Time: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Evening sessions optional for UIndy faculty/staff; required for others)
• Meal Plan:
  • Lunch & Snacks: Provided daily
  • Dinner (5:00–7:00 PM): On your own — enjoy exploring local restaurants nearby

Ready to Lead Your Own Growth?

Join a small, powerful group of intentional learners and life designers. Spots are limited to ensure deep coaching, dialogue, and support.

Your Horizon Self is in view.  Take the next step — and make this the week that changes every week after.

Summary of the 2025 Business Meeting

. . .

Introduction of the Academy Board

Peter introduced the executive board. He thanked Patrick for his service and welcomed Chaya as President Elect. He introduced Matt Watts as well. He also introduced himself as the Finance Officer. Peter pointed out that Will Ofstad is going off the board after this meeting and that George Dombi, who filled in for a partial term, is up for reelection this year.

• President Patrick Barlow (moving to Past President)
• President Elect Chaya Jain (moving to President)
• Josh Morrison (elected to President Elect)
• Secretary Steve Spicklemire
• Treasurer Matthew Watts
• Finance Officer Peter Smith (reelected today)
• Members at Large
      Will Ofstad
      George Dombi (reelected today)
      Grace Onodipe
      Yuqin Hu
      Jim Morgan (elected today)

Secretary's Report

Patrick referred people to the link to the Secretary’s report from last year’s business meeting. Steve moved that the report be accepted. Ingrid seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

President's Report

Patrick Barlow noted that everyone who attends the conference becomes a member of the Academy for the next year (i.e. until September 30, 2025). He thanked the folks at UIndy for their hospitality. He thanks the members of the board for their work in planning the conference.

We have a lot of work to do. The work is important. It’s changing the lives of young people. We can start students on the path of thinking about their own self-growth. Parker Palmer talks about how the educational experience is not about changing students into what we want them to be, but it should be an open door. It’s an opportunity for students to realize their own goals.

Overall the Academy is healthy. We’re poised to do good work. Patrick emphasized three special projects: 1) The self-growth project, 2) the efforts to transform the academy to a fully international organization, and 3) the initiative to incorporate AI into the PE ecosystem. These are just a few examples of some of the great work being done by members of the academy all the time.

Treasurer's Report

Matthew Watts explained how the Academy fiscal year extends from October 1 to September 30. Thus they have presented a full year 2023-2024 report and a partial year 2024-2025 report. They expect us to almost break even in both reports, although we still have some conference expenses to come in. They asked for a motion to approve the reports. Patrick moved, Ingrid seconded. Approved. The audit: Ingrid Moved, Chad Seconded. Approved.

Election of the Executive Board

The election was held by Secretary Steve Spicklemire using an online ballot from a slate of officers prepared by President Elect Chaya Jain.

• The Finance Officer position was unopposed and Peter Smith was elected by acclimation.
• Josh Morrison was elected as the Incoming President elect.
• The two Member-at-Large positions were determined by a three way race. The elected candidates were George Dombi and Jim Morgan.

Click here for biosketches of the full board (executive + directors). 

The DRAFT minutes from the Annual Business Meeting are available HERE.

Important Information:

• Know Your Rights: Protecting our Students and Higher Ed Employees from the AFT (American Federation of Teachers), National Immigration Law Center, AAUP (American Association of University Professors), ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
• Know Your Rights Guide: Academic Freedom and Campus Free Speech for Scholars and Students on Visas
• Talking points: Pushing back on anti-DEI efforts and supporting DEI initiatives

. . .  - - -  . . .

FREE Webinar Series: The Latest on Trump and Higher Ed

(from The Chronicle of Higher Education)

This free webinar series exploring the Trump administration’s impact on higher education has been extended for more sessions. Join as Chronicle experts break down the latest developments from the Trump White House.

• July 23: 1 p.m. ET | 10 a.m. PT
• August 20: 1 p.m. ET | 10 a.m. PT

https://connect.chronicle.com/trump-webinar-series-2.html

Let us know:

• What have you achieved (WHO and WHAT)
• Suggest someone for an open board position (give us a NAME and POSITION)
• Request a workshop (please let us know the TOPIC, WHY you would find it valuable/useful, and CONTACT information so we can follow up with you)
• Pretty much anything else!