Creating a culture of engagement: The power of hands-on learning

Webinar | Watch Now On-Demand

Student engagement is a top-of-mind issue for administrators across the country. LEGO^® Education research shows only **31% of admins describe their students as engaged**. The beginning of the school year is an opportunity to create a culture of engagement for both students and teachers. After a long summer break, what can we do to spark student engagement from day one? How do we break the cycle of disengagement and address this universal issue?

Register now to listen to our conversation with Diego Ochoa, Superintendent of San Mateo-Foster City School District. Learn about the innovative strategy they’ve built around hands-on learning that is jumpstarting student engagement, redefining the way they learn, and transforming the culture in the district.

Key topics include:

Defining student engagement in the classroom
Driving and sustaining student engagement
The connection between student engagement and teacher engagement
Measuring the impact and success of hands-on learning programs

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Watch On-Demand

Dr. Jenny Nash

Head of Education Impact, LEGO® Education

Dr. Jenny Nash serves as Head of Education Impact, U.S. for LEGO^® Education, where she provides leadership in delivering meaningful learning experiences for students. As an advocate for playful hands-on learning, she is focused on instilling confidence in learning in students and teachers to build academic and 21st-century skills that will create active, collaborative, lifelong learners.

She has worked in various levels of education, including as a middle and high school science teacher, professional development provider, and educational specialist. Dr. Jenny has presented at SXSW EDU, ISTE, CSTA, and NSTA among others; been quoted in publications such as Fast Company, TODAY, and District Administration; and was recognized as an Influential Woman in STEM and Tech.

Dr. Nash received her doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida, along with her master’s in teaching and bachelor’s in accounting from Marshall University. Dr. Nash is based in Wisconsin and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and anything Disney.

Diego Ochoa

Superintendent, San Mateo-Foster City

Superintendent Diego R. Ochoa joined the San Mateo-Foster City School District in June 2021 and led the creation of a 5-year Strategic Plan with input from over 70 stakeholders. He introduced innovative strategies to enhance districtwide communication, including engaging multilingual families and those with special needs. Under his leadership, the district secured multi-year contracts with bargaining partners, ensuring pay raises for 2022-2024.

Ochoa expanded the district’s data accountability system, introduced new math pathways, and increased access to trauma-informed practices and professional development, including a paid 5-day summer program for teachers. With 23 years of experience across various educational roles, he brings a strong background in curriculum, special education, equity, and student wellness. Ochoa holds degrees from California State University San Marcos and has studied in the Urban K-12 Educational Leadership program at UC Irvine. He has held leadership roles in ACSA and serves as an ex-officio Board Member of the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation.