As a seasoned journalist, I’ve always found inspiration in unexpected places. From the drama of unexpected challenges to the awe-inspiring final reveals, shows like HGTV’s “Home Town” and “Property Brothers” have captivated audiences around the world. But what if we could take that same sense of wonder and transformation and apply it to something as essential as education?
Growing up, I watched my father, a plumber and contractor, turn outdated houses into welcoming homes. His ability to see potential in the most run-down spaces sparked a love for renovation within me. So when our district embarked on a journey to create more equitable and inclusive learning environments, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between my father’s work and our mission in education.
Imagine if we approached education initiatives like a home renovation project. What if we went room by room, uncovering structural issues and recommending life-enhancing upgrades? Could shows like HGTV’s “Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Renovation” serve as a blueprint for transforming our schools into impactful, student-centered spaces of possibility and innovation?
The Core Connection: Transformation
During the pandemic, school leaders had a unique opportunity to restructure outdated teaching and learning practices. Yet, for many districts, this transformative overhaul felt more like a cosmetic upgrade than a complete renovation. With graduation requirements evolving and mandates for education reform becoming more prevalent, districts are being forced to rethink their approach to education.
Transformational school leaders must be able to see the potential in a broken system and rally their team around a shared vision to inspire, uplift, and empower every student. Just as a renovation project requires a clear plan and dedicated team, so too does the transformation of our education system.
The Process: Assessment, Design, and Execution
The home renovation process offers a fitting metaphor for rethinking classroom instruction and district policies. By conducting instructional audits and policy assessments, schools can identify gaps in engagement, equity, and outcomes. Just as HGTV homeowners bring in contractors to help bring their vision to life, schools can benefit from outside consultants to co-design solutions and create a more inclusive environment.
Personalization: Meeting Unique Needs
One of the most captivating aspects of HGTV is its focus on customization. Every renovation project is tailored to reflect the homeowner’s preferences and lifestyle. Similarly, successful education renovation must prioritize the individual needs of students, creating learning environments that feel personal and engaging.
For some schools, this may involve simple upgrades like personalized digital tools or innovative classroom furniture. In other cases, a more significant transformation may be necessary, such as adopting interdisciplinary approaches or flexible schedules to break down traditional barriers to learning.
Budget Creativity: Doing More with Less
Budget constraints are a common challenge in both home renovation and education. Just as unexpected problems can arise in a renovation project, educators must find creative, cost-effective solutions to keep their vision on track. By leveraging community partnerships and equity-focused funding models, schools can stretch every dollar to provide high-quality, impactful solutions for students.
The Big Reveal: Showcasing Impact
Like HGTV’s signature “big reveal,” showcasing the impact of educational renovation is essential. By sharing stories of success and progress, schools can inspire action and build momentum for broader system change. Instead of focusing solely on tangible outcomes like test scores, inviting the community to see firsthand the changes in teaching practices can create a powerful narrative of transformation.
Learning from HGTV’s Engagement Model: A Call to Action
By applying the principles of HGTV’s approach to renovation—assessment, collaboration, personalization, creativity, and storytelling—we can reimagine classrooms and districts as spaces of innovation and possibility. Education renovation isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about creating systems that work for all learners.
As educators, the time is now to pick up the blueprints, gather the tools, and start building an education system as inspiring and functional as the dream homes we admire on HGTV.
Author:
Kelly Carpenter, Gananda Central School District
Kelly Carpenter brings over 30 years of experience in education to her role as the Chief Academic Officer for the Gananda Central School District. With a passion for transformation and innovation, she is dedicated to creating equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students.
