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Andrew Wodarski

Andrew Wodarski

Learning Environment SpecialistMiEN Company

Drew works directly with facilities teams, educators, and leadership to translate their teaching goals into actionable space planning. As an EDmarket Certified Learning Place Specialist (ECLPS), he advises, bridging the gap between educational theory and the physical environment. He collaborates closely with architects and local dealers to ensure the right solutions are chosen for the right spaces.Drew’s interest in learning environments grew from a family background in architecture and early childhood care. However, his authority in the K-12 furniture space isn’t just theoretical; it’s hands-on.
He began his career at MiEN in the warehouse, mastering the daily operations of product manufacturing, logistics, and delivery before advancing into sales and consultative design. Because he knows how the products are built from the ground up, he is uniquely equipped to advise districts on the durability, functionality, and lifecycle of their investments.Drew believes in bringing students directly into the design process.Beyond specific district projects, Drew consistently volunteers his time to share insights on learning space design and career paths with local students through the Boys and Girls Club and other similar avenues. Recently named an EDmarket NexGen Rising Star, Drew brings both validated expertise and a modern perspective to educational design. Drew is a proud Michigan native who now lives and travels extensively across his western territory. Drew is an avid outdoorsman who naturally gravitates to the landscapes of his region, whether he’s skiing in Colorado or hiking local trails. When he’s on the road, you can usually find him listening to science and sports podcasts or channeling his lifelong love of music by playing the guitar. Currently engaged and planning his upcoming wedding, Drew deeply values family and looks forward to this next exciting chapter.

Thu Oct 293:30 PM – 5:00 PM

WORKSHOP: Co-Designing for Impact: Aligning Pedagogy, Strategy, and Biophilic Design

Physical space is a powerful asset in the learning process, yet many environments remain misaligned with modern pedagogical goals.This interactive wor…Physical space is a powerful asset in the learning process, yet many environments remain misaligned with modern pedagogical goals.This interactive workshop, “Where Spaces Shape Learning,” shows how to align a school’s vision with its physical environ…Physical space is a powerful asset in the learning process, yet many environments remain misaligned with modern pedagogical goals.This interactive workshop, “Where Spaces Shape Learning,” shows how to align a school’s vision with its physical environment through co-design, empathy interviews, and student voice. Participants will explore biophilic design, examine data-driven decision making, and review real-world district examples where intentiona…Physical space is a powerful asset in the learning process, yet many environments remain misaligned with modern pedagogical goals.This interactive workshop, “Where Spaces Shape Learning,” shows how to align a school’s vision with its physical environment through co-design, empathy interviews, and student voice. Participants will explore biophilic design, examine data-driven decision making, and review real-world district examples where intentional spatial changes improved student engagement, belonging, and learning outcomes.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More

Workshop (90 minutes)Session TypeTRACK 1: Learning Spaces, Reimagined — Evolving physical spaces shaping the future of learningSession Track
Ashley Gehrke
Andrew Wodarski
Ashley Gray
Kait Whitaker
Ashley Gehrke
Ashley GehrkeDirector of Career and Innovation, Cherry Creek School District
Andrew Wodarski
Andrew WodarskiLearning Environment Specialist, MiEN Company
Ashley Gray
Ashley GrayElementary Principal, Fox Hollow Elementary, Cherry Creek School District
Kait Whitaker
Kait WhitakerElementary Principal, Trails West Elementary, Cherry Creek School District
Ashley Gehrke
Ashley GehrkeDirector of Career and Innovation, Cherry Creek School District
Andrew Wodarski
Andrew WodarskiLearning Environment Specialist, MiEN Company
Ashley Gray
Ashley GrayElementary Principal, Fox Hollow Elementary, Cherry Creek School District
Kait Whitaker
Kait WhitakerElementary Principal, Trails West Elementary, Cherry Creek School District
Tags:Group A
Allow Registration:No
Capacity Unlimited:No
Indicate how the topic is applicable to Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) Design credits.:NA
Learner Engagement:The centerpiece of this 90-minute session is a hands-on learning activity where attendees will collaborate to create a vision board. Using a "deck of spaces" and quadrant mapping, participants will practice translating high-level educational goals into actionable design drivers, leaving with a practical framework for bringing co-designed, research-backed environments to their own schools.
Learning Objective 1:Understand and apply co-design strategies that prioritize student and educator perspectives.