Design for Learning Summit

INSPIRATION. COLLABORATION. PATHWAYS FOR THE FUTURE.

Step into Saline High School’s state-of-the-art STEAM space for an engaging day focused on how education, industry, and design can work together to prepare students for what’s next. Through hands-on experiences, live demonstrations, and real-world insights, this summit explores how STEM and Career Technical Education can evolve to meet the demands of an AI-driven future.

Event 1: Design for learning event

APRIL 24, 2026 9:00am – 3:00pm

Saline High School STEAM Center | Saline, MI

FANUC tour

An exclusive visit to FANUC’s North American Headquarters – featuring a behind-the-scenes tour and industry-relevant discussions.

Event 2: Fanuc tour

MAY 1, 2026 9:00am – 2:00pm

FANUC NORTH AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS
Rochester Hills, MI

KEY TOPICS

CTE + STEAM Pathways
Connecting STEM & CTE for future-ready skills
Hands-On Robotics
Live FANUC demo & exploratory learning
Future-Ready Mindsets
Problem-solving, adaptability, & creative thinking
Learning Spaces Reimagined
Practical classroom changes for deeper exploration

AGENDA

Friday, April 24 | Saline High School

9:00am - 9:15am
Register & Light Refreshments
9:00am - 9:15am
Opening Remarks: Rob Atkins & Dr. Rachel Kowalski
9:30am – 10:30am
The Intersection of Curriculum and Space: Five Cornerstones for Creating Teaching and Learning Spaces that Align with STEAM/CTE | David Stubbs
10:30am – 11:15am
Designing with Authenticity for an Aspirational Future: Real-World Learning Through CTE | Duane Moss, Kara Stemmer & Trent Trout
11:15am – 12:00pm
FANUC Robotic Arm in Action Demonstration | Paul Aiello & Eric Bradbury
12:00pm – 12:45pm
Lunch & Networking
12:45pm – 1:45pm
The Gaps We’ve Learned to Live With: The Promise and Potential of AI in Education | Sara Easter
1:45pm – 2:15pm
STEM + CTE: A Unified Approach to Future-Ready Learning | Laura Casai, John Davids, & James Seaman
2:15pm – 2:45pm
Panel Discussion: Ben Mainka, Dave Richards & Megan Schrauben
2:45pm – 3:00pm
Concluding Remarks

Friday, May 1 | TOUR FANUC NORTH AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS

9:00am – 9:30am
Registration & Opening Remarks
9:30am – 11:00am
Building Tour
11:30am – 12:30pm
Lunch with Presentation: Aligning Industry and Education
1:30pm – 2:00pm
Concluding Remarks
At the Summit, participants will:
Experience a live FANUC robotic arm demonstration highlighting robotics and STEAM programming
Explore how STEAM and CTE connect as complementary pathways for developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Examine how students learn through making, testing, communicating ideas, and iterating across disciplines
Gain insight from industry experts, architects, and educational leaders on aligning learning with workforce needs
Discover practical ways to adapt existing school spaces to better support hands-on, applied learning
Participants will leave with:
New strategies to strengthen and align CTE + STEAM pathways
A clearer understanding of how to foster adaptable, future-ready thinkers
Actionable ideas for reimagining learning environments – at any scale – to support meaningful, real-world learning
Practical professional learning and earn 5.25 SCECH credits
Additional special event opportunity:
A behind-the-scenes tour of advanced automation environments
Industry-relevant discussions connecting classroom learning to real-world applications
Hosted by

PRESENTERS

PAUL AIELLO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION | FANUC AMERICA
Paul has 30+ years in advanced manufacturing, leading robotics education initiatives, establishing 1700+ academic partners and workforce training centers, & championing industry-academia collaboration for a future-ready workforce.
Paul Aiello is the Executive Director of Education at FANUCAmerica, where he has led the company’s education initiatives for the past 15years. With over 25 years at FANUC and more than 30 years in business andadvanced manufacturing, Aiello brings deep industry insight to his role. Paulwas a key contributor to the development of FANUC’s Certified EducationTraining (CERT) programs and under his leadership, FANUC has helped establishmore than 1,700 robotics, CNC, and automation training centers, creating over amillion student experiences. Paul champions the need for strong collaborationsbetween industry and academia to address the skilled labor shortage in advancedmanufacturing. Aiello believes the key to a successful workforce developmentprogram is alignment—ensuring that students learn on the same technologies usedin industry today and in the future. He was instrumental in helping launchFANUC’s $1 million Automation Endowed Scholarship Fund with the SME EducationFoundation, further supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.Aiello remains a passionate advocate for bridging the gap between education andindustry to build a future-ready workforce. Paul is always looking for new waysto "Inspire tomorrow's Innovators, Today!"
DUANE MOSS
ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS TEACHER SOUTH & WEST WASHTENAW CONSORTIUM (SWWC)
With 31 years in education, Duane teaches engineering and robotics at SWWC. He holds a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and is passionate about preparing students for future careers.
Duane Moss is a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructor specializing in engineering and robotics at Chelsea High School and through the South and West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC) in Michigan, where he has taught since 1994. In his role, Mr. Moss guides and mentors students in hands-on STEM learning—particularly in robotics—helping them connect classroom skills with real-world engineering and manufacturing pathways. He holds a Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and is known for his commitment to student success and experiential education in the Chelsea community.
ROB ATKINS, PE
PRESIDENT | KINGSCOTT
Rob combines 30+ years in engineering & architecture with visionary leadership, advancing innovative educational facility design & cultivating future architects, engineers, & stronger communities.
Rob Atkins is an engineer, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for both his profession and his community. Rob has extensive experience in engineering, architecture, and leadership roles. His journey as president of Kingscott Associates is characterized by his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence. Rob’s visionary thinking and collaboration with the company partners and leadership team have propelled the company forward, cementing its reputation as an industry leader in the K12 arena for nearly 100 years.
Before taking the helm as president, Rob spent 17 years as Director of Engineering at Kingscott Associates. His extensive tenure in this role allowed him to fine-tune his skills while shaping the direction of the firm.
Beyond his professional work, Rob is deeply committed to community service. He has served on the Pretty Lake Camp Board of Directors for nearly a decade and is an active member of the Kalamazoo Kiwanis Club, reflecting his dedication to creating positive impact both within and beyond the built environment.
DAVID M. RICHARDS, PH.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | THE FUTURE OF LEARNING COUNCIL
David leads by supporting 80+ districts in learner-centered models & designing future-ready learning ecosystems. He also serves as an Executive Learning Strategist for Michigan Virtual & is the Co-founder of Safe Scan Solutions.
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ERIC BRADBURY
DIRECTOR – MICHIGAN CONSULTING AND SERVICE AT INTEGRATED SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY | FANUC AMERICA
As a technology & innovation leader, Eric advances automation, advanced manufacturing, & workforce development, connecting emerging technologies with real-world applications & building hands-on, sustainable pipelines for future-ready talent.
Eric Bradbury is a technology and innovation leader focused on advancing automation, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development. He specializes in connecting emerging technologies with real-world application, helping organizations modernize technical programs and align education with industry needs. His work emphasizes innovation, hands-on learning, and building sustainable pipelines for the future workforce.  
MEGAN SCHRAUBEN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | MiSTEM
Megan holds degrees from the University of Michigan & Michigan Tech, taught high school physics & math, led a Math and Science Center, consulted for MDE, and supports the Governor’s MiSTEM Council & STEM grants.
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LAURA CASAI, IIDA, LEED AP
PROJECT DIRECTOR – PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER, EDUCATIONAL PLANNER | KINGSCOTT
Laura, LEED Accredited and NCIDQ-certified, brings 17+ years of leadership & interior design expertise, delivering 525+ functional, flexible, & vibrant K-12, university, & private projects with energy, passion, & impact.
With over 17 years of experience, Laura brings a wealth of leadership qualities and expertise to the Kingscott team. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and is qualified with the National Council for Interior Design. Laura’s interior design work includes over 525 projects for K-12, university, and private owners and has resulted in functional, flexible, and vibrant environments for all age groups. Her experience is impressive, her passion is contagious, and she brings great energy and enthusiasm to every project she is involved with!
JAMES SEAMAN, PHD, AIA, ALEP
MANAGING PRINCIPAL FIELDING INTERNATIONAL
James, architect, educational researcher, & ALEP, has 20+ years designing innovative learning environments worldwide, combining academic research, teaching experience, & leadership to create schools that shape & enhance teaching & learning.
With a career spanning over 20 years, James has dedicated his work to designing and improving places for learning, and has managed, planned, and designed numerous innovative schools around the world. He is an architect and an educational researcher. His approach to designing schools begins with a deep understanding and vision for learning. He views the physical environment as a technology that can be designed to shape and support teaching and learning activities. He has authored articles about architecture and educational innovation and regularly presents at conferences.
James holds a master’s degree in architecture from Lawrence Technological University, a graduate level certificate in Educational Facility Planning through San Deigo State University and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology from Michigan State University. His academic work enriches his practice, as he approaches design with a methodology rooted in academic research. He’s also an experienced teacher, having taught university courses in education and design.
Dedicated to the profession of educational facility planning, James has served as the President of the Association for Learning Environments Midwest Great Lakes Region, an organization committed to best practices in K-12 and Higher Education. He holds the organization’s top distinction of Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) and received a Regional Service Citation Award.
JOHN DAVIDS, AIA, REFP, LEED AP BD + C
SENIOR PLANNER | KINGSCOTT
John, award-winning architect, brings 40+ years of global experience designing educational spaces, mentoring teams, teaching architecture, & advancing student-centered learning environments, while earning recognition for shaping the next generation of design leaders.
John Davids is an accomplished architect whose career spans nearly four decades and is marked by a relentless commitment to improving educational spaces and nurturing future generations.
John’s diverse career includes professional practice as a designer/studio leader, providing volunteer architectural work for community organizations, and as Architect-in-Residence at Frank Lloyd Wright's "Snowflake House." He has served as a graduate teacher of Architectural History at the University of Michigan and professor of Architectural Design and Professional Practice at the University of Detroit and Lawrence Technological University. John relocated to London, England for two years in the 1980's to work as a designer for a firm specializing in recreational aquatic facilities. In 1999, John received the prestigious AIA Michigan "Young Architect of the Year" Award. John’s remarkable career is a testament to his belief in the potential of students and the importance of fostering vibrant educational environments.
John holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Michigan.
KARA STEMMER
DIRECTOR | SOUTH & WEST WASHTENAW CONSORTIUM (SWWC)
Kara provides Career & Technical Education programming for six local school districts. She holds degrees from Central Michigan University & Wayne State University & brings 16 years of classroom experience as a marketing education teacher in Farmington, Ypsilanti, & Saline.
Kara Stemmer: Kara Stemmer serves as the Director of the South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC). The SWWC facilitates Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming for the consortium school districts of Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, and Saline. Stemmer earned a B.S. in Business Education with a concentration in Marketing from Central Michigan University in 1998, and in 2001 she earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University. Before this role, Kara spent sixteen years in the classroom as a Marketing Education teacher in the Farmington, Ypsilanti, and Saline school districts.
SARA EASTER
OWNER | EASTER CONSULTING GROUP
Sara, education strategist, author, & founder of Easter Consulting Group, leverages 30+ years’ experience to help districts transform teaching, personalize learning, & align instructional vision with future-focused facilities, staffing, & innovation.
Sara Easter is a seasoned education strategist, author, and founder of Easter Consulting Group. With over 30 years of experience transforming teaching and learning, Sara partners with school districts to reimagine instructional models, personalize learning, and ensure that buildings are designed for the future—not just built in it. Known for her sharp insights and practical wisdom, she helps leaders connect their instructional vision to physical space design, staffing models, and sustainable innovation.
DAVID STUBBS
CREATOR | VS’ SHIFT+
Award-winning designer & educator, creator of VS’ Shift+ & SPACE systems, & author of Hinge and Pivot, transforming educational spaces to foster agility, inclusion, & student-centered learning.
David Stubbs is an award-winning designer, educator, and advocate recognized for transforming educational environments. Creator of VS’ Shift+, the first patented system of educational furniture components, David revolutionized the industry in 2013 by prioritizing agility, inclusion, and student-centered learning.
His expertise, captured in his book Hinge and Pivot: Transforming Learning through Physical Space, highlights how innovative design can foster inclusion, agency, and well-being. David’s recent work includes designing the SPACE storage systems by VS, which are redefining utility and efficiency in classrooms. Through his professional development series, Streamlining Education, he empowers educators to optimize storage, declutter classrooms, and create environments that inspire creativity and engagement.
His contributions have earned him accolades from A4LE, IIDA, USGBC, and the EPA, culminating in the 2024 Educational ICON Award from Learning by Design magazine. With a career rooted in innovation, David continues to lead conversations on reshaping educational spaces, inspiring educators and designers to unlock new possibilities for teaching and learning.
BEN MAINKA
SUPERINTENDENT | NOVI SCHOOLS
Ben Mainka serves as Superintendent of Novi Community School District, a top-performing system, and president-elect of MASA, recognized statewide for collaborative, student-centered leadership serving Michigan communities.
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TRENT TROUT
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION TEACHER SALINE AREA SCHOOLS
Trent is also a CIM instructor with the SWWC, leading one of Michigan’s premier advanced manufacturing programs. A former SkillsUSANational Champion, he was named the 2026 Michigan ACTE Teacher of the Year for his innovation, leadership, & impact on students.
Trent Trout is a Career and Technical Education teacher at Saline High School, where he serves as the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) instructor through the South & West Washtenaw Consortium. He leads one of Michigan’s premier advanced manufacturing programs, providing students with hands-on experience in CNC machining, robotics, 3D printing, and industry-aligned technologies. A former SkillsUSA National Champion, Trout brings real-world expertise into the classroom and has guided students to success in regional, state, and national competitions. He has also built strong partnerships with industry and community organizations, including work focused on inclusive design and early STEM-to-CTE career pathways. In recognition of his innovation, leadership, and impact on students, he was named the 2026 Michigan ACTE Teacher of the Year.

Design for Learning Summit

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BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE

From concept to completion, we create spaces that inspire. Let’s build something extraordinary together.

BRING YOUR 
VISION TO LIFE

From concept to completion, we create spaces that inspire. Let’s build something extraordinary together.