About Playful Learning Communities

Digital Promise Playful Learning Communities exist to reimagine professional learning by centering educators as co-creators of knowledge, fostering authentic connection, discovery, and joy. Through dynamic, interest-driven communities, we support educators in exploring innovative practices, sharing real-world experiences, and growing together—because when educators feel seen, supported, and inspired, so do their students.

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Networking opportunities: The communities create natural spaces to connect with like-minded educators, mentors, and experts across grade levels and geographies. These relationships can spark new ideas, open doors to collaboration, and reduce the sense of isolation that many educators feel. Whether through informal chats or structured discussions, connection fuels growth.
Resource sharing: In Digital Promise Communities, educators share helpful tools, ideas, and strategies that have worked in their classrooms. This ongoing sharing reduces the burden of creating everything from scratch and fosters a culture of generosity and efficiency.
Playful professional learning: Professional development in these communities is rooted in play, curiosity, and experimentation. Instead of traditional, rigid learning sessions, educators can explore new ideas, try out tools in low-pressure environments, and engage in joyful learning that mirrors how we hope students learn. This kind of engagement leads to deeper understanding, more innovation, and greater enthusiasm for applying new practices.
Collaboration: Work side-by-side with fellow educators to co-create lessons, share ideas, and solve challenges. </aside>

Explore Our Communities

AI Education Exchange | Powered by HP and Digital Promise

Dive into AI’s role in education—discover best practices, share insights, and explore innovative tools for teaching and learning.

Level Up EDU | Powered by Digital Promise

Explore game-based learning strategies, connect with educators integrating play into their classrooms, and exchange ideas on gamification.

YouthMADE (Making, Art, Activism, and Design in Education) | Powered by Digital Promise

Celebrate student creativity and making—explore project-based learning, digital storytelling, and maker-centered learning.

Contact Us:

For general inquiries, email: communities@digitalpromise.org

Our Team

Nick Schiner is the Director of Peer to Peer Professional Learning and Playful Learning Communities at Digital Promise. He is a former Baltimore County Public Schools classroom teacher, technology integration specialist, professional learning facilitator, and central office leader where he spearheaded the districtwide maker learning movement. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Johns Hopkins University.

Jasmine McCallum is the Senior Project manager for Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning and Playful Learning Communities at Digital Promise. In addition to her classroom experience instructing in English Language Arts and reading at the middle and high school levels, she has served as a reading intervention specialist, department chair and member of a district-wide Superintendent Educator’s Roundtable to facilitate professional development and provide ongoing student and teacher support. With a heart for education and a decision to be a lifelong learner, Jasmine is passionate about bringing equity to underprivileged communities.