Upcoming Fab Educators Summit
Free program for educators on Friday, January 31st from noon to 4pm EST
I asked Liz Whitewolf of eduFAB, organizer of the Fab Educators Summit, to tell us about the January 31 program. I am looking forward to giving the keynote. -DD
By Liz Whitewolf
The Fab Educators Summit is an annual event that brings together K-12 educators from around the world to explore the role of digital fabrication and making in education. Scheduled for January 31, 2025, this year’s summit builds on its foundation as a community-driven gathering supported by educators, network members, and participants globally. Since its inception in 2022, the summit has served as a platform to discuss challenges and share practical solutions for both formal and informal education. It offers an opportunity to connect with and learn from practitioners who integrate making and digital fabrication into their teaching.
The Fab Educators Summit is notable for its grassroots approach. The event originated from a clear need among educational Fab Labs for a platform to address issues specific to K-12 education. Its content is shaped by global participants who contribute diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. This collaborative model ensures the summit remains dynamic, responsive, and grounded in practical, peer-led initiatives.
The summit’s format is tailored for busy teachers. This half-day event includes workshops, presentations, and a keynote address designed to provide meaningful engagement within a concise timeframe. Unconference sessions, where participants set the agenda and lead discussions, are particularly popular, fostering open dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and opportunities for networking. With attendees from over 25 countries, the summit facilitates a vibrant exchange of ideas and practices.
A key aspect of the summit is the contributions from its network. Educators, community members, and other stakeholders share their research, projects, and resources, ensuring the event remains grounded in real-world experiences. The summit is entirely volunteer-run through a large virtual meeting, with past speakers often joining the selection committee or serving on the organizing committee. This year, the Fab Foundation joins as a conference supporter, and Dale Dougherty, founder of Make, will deliver the keynote address.
In 2025, eduFAB is launching year-round discussion groups to revisit popular workshops and presentations from the summit. These groups will allow for deeper exploration of key topics and maintain engagement beyond the event itself. This initiative underscores eduFAB's commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for educators while acknowledging their time constraints.
Registration for the Fab Educators Summit is free for K-12 teachers, making it accessible to a wide audience. Whether attending live on January 31, exploring the recordings later, or participating in international discussions throughout the year, participants will find valuable resources and ideas to enhance their teaching practices.
For more information and to register, visit www.eduFAB.org/2025summit.