SHIFT
SHIFT: Scholars in Human-Centered, Innovative, and Forward-Thinking Teaching
A professional learning series for educators ready to humanize learning and lead systemic change.
The Siebel Center for Design (SCD) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is proud to offer the Scholars in Human-Centered, Innovative, and Forward-thinking Teaching (SHIFT) Program. This initiative is designed to empower educators across Illinois with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to integrate Human-Centered Design (HCD) into their teaching practices.
SHIFT participants explore core HCD principles and their applications in education, culminating in the creation of a workshop, course, or program designed to teach HCD concepts. By tapping into SCD’s expertise, the program fosters innovation in teaching and strengthens collaboration among scholars statewide.
Deep Immersion | Cohort-Based | Applied Design Challenge
The next SHIFT cohort will be offered in February 1 - March 8, 2027
Applications to join this cohort will open October 1, 2026.
SHIFT is a six-week cohort-based professional learning experience designed for educators who want to thoughtfully design or redesign learning experiences using Human-Centered Design (HCD). Through interactive sessions, collaborative discussions, and guided project work, participants will learn HCD principles and methods while applying them to an authentic learning experience from their own teaching or educational context.
What to expect from SHIFT
Not sure if SHIFT is right for you? Here's a quick overview:
- 6 weeks total
- Weekly 2-hour live virtual sessions + 1–2 hours/week of applied work
- Full design sprint + culminating design challenge
- Cost is $500 per participant
- A completed or substantially redesigned learning experience
- A toolkit of Human-Centered Design methods and templates
- Resources to continue applying HCD in your role
- Feedback from peers and SCD facilitators
- A certificate of completion from the Siebel Center for Design
- A network of educators committed to Human-Centered Design
Any faculty or staff (at University of Illinois and beyond) who wants to design or redesign learning experiences.
SHIFT offers an approachable, engaging introduction to a mindset that puts students at the center of educational design—no design experience required.
- Six-week cohort experience (2-hour virtual sessions each week)
- Learn Human-Centered Design through hands-on practice
- Design or redesign an authentic learning experience
- Receive personalized coaching and peer feedback throughout the program
- Collaborate with a community of educators across disciplines
- Continue building your HCD practice beyond the program