Page 46 - spaces4learning, Fall 2024

Project Profile
Mesa Public Schools • K–6th Grade • 35 Learning Spaces
Advertorial
Lakeshore Pilots the Next
Education Workforce™
A Teaching Model That Delivers for Mesa Public Schools
Overview
To better prepare students for future success,
Mesa Public Schools in Arizona implemented
the Next Education Workforce model that
individualizes instruction and creates an
effective teacher pipeline from college to
the classroom.
Lakeshore, known for its educator-developed
Flex-Space furniture and service capabilities,
was invited to support the pilot effort by
designing, furnishing and installing the
district’s learning spaces.
Team-Based Instruction
Rather than assigning one teacher to a
single classroom, a team of grade-level
teachers and college-level student teachers
is responsible for all learners—allowing for
flexibility in grouping students and increasing
opportunities for one-on-one student-teacher
interaction.
Learning Spaces by Lakeshore
Instead of confining instruction to one
classroom, learning spaces designed and
furnished by Lakeshore are comprised of three
rooms that support a more flexible approach.
A Learning Commons is filled with mobile
desks, modular seating, floor seating and
nesting benches—making it ideal for large-
group instruction and targeted lessons. Plus,
two Learning Studios place a premium on
flexibility—with mobile desks, standing desks,
tables and seating specifically selected to
support small-group instruction, partnering,
testing and independent study.
Lakeshore’s
thoughtfully designed
furniture reflects a deep
understanding of the
classroom environment.
Karly LaOrange, Instructional Coach
Mesa Public Schools
Outcome
In a comparison between Next Education
Workforce teachers and those not involved in
the program, participating educators reported
“significantly higher” job satisfaction. In great
news for students, respondents reported
a “significantly higher” amount of teacher
collaboration and a “significant difference”
in teacher-student interaction compared to
colleagues in traditional settings.*
Scan to read the full study and
explore more Lakeshore projects!
*Institute for Education Policy. (2022). Results from the Year One Survey of Next Education Workforce (NEW)
Teachers [Data set]. Johns Hopkins School of Education.