Join our two-day professional learning program for grades 6-12 educators and learn how to use the "No Small Plans" graphic novel to guide students in learning about the built environment and how they can impact it.
Educator Learning: No Small Plans
A page from "No Small Plans," a graphic novel used in classrooms to explore Daniel Burnham’s visionary 1909 Plan of Chicago.
Build knowledge and leave with classroom resources to help students understand the built environment and their impact on their communities.
Join the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) this summer for a deep dive into our graphic novel,"No Small Plans.” This professional learning session is designed to empower educators to guide their students in learning about the built environment and how they can impact it. We'll prepare you to support students as they make no small plans for themselves, their communities, and the future!
Over the course of this two-day session, participants will explore the book alongside strategies for classroom integration and continued engagement.
Participants will leave equipped with practical teaching tools, including a guiding toolkit and classroom-ready lesson plans focused on social studies, civics, and urban planning. Stay tuned for our agenda!
"No Small Plans" is graphic novel that follows the neighborhood adventures of teens in Chicago's past, present and future as they wrestle with designing the city they want, need and deserve.
The book was inspired by the 1911 Wacker’s Manual, which was once used in classrooms to explain Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago.
Who should attend
You are an educator who:
- Serves students in grades 6–12
- Social studies and civics are important elements of your curriculum
- Urban planning practices are an area of curiosity or interest
- Supporting students in taking action to impact their communities is important to your work
- Seeking to earn professional development hours
What to expect
- Sessions led by CAC staff, educators, and industry professionals
- Deep dive into “No Small Plans” graphic novel
- Walk through teaching tools and lesson plans
- This program qualifies for 12 ISBE professional development hours
- Participants will receive a $500 stipend for participation
Activities:
- Place-based activities exploring local sites
- Hands-on workshops
- Small breakout groups for discussion and problem-solving
- Time to collaborate and network with peers
Cost
This is a FREE program and participants will receive a $500 stipend for attending both full days of the session.
If you find programs like these valuable, please consider donating to the CAC to help us create more of them!
About CAC Learning
With nearly 60 years of expertise in public programming and educational engagement, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) brings a deep commitment to fostering architectural appreciation and urban planning education.
CAC is proud to offer learning opportunities for educators that align with ISBE professional learning standards and provide professional learning credit for educators.
Registration details
Registrations now open
Session begins: Monday, July 27, 2026
Welcome packet: Registered participants will receive a welcome email with further event details prior to the session.
Cancellation: If you have registered but can no longer attend, please contact caclearning@architecture.org as early as possible.
Dates and times
- Monday, July 27, 2026; 9 AM to 3 PM
- Tuesday, July 28, 2026; 9 AM to 3 PM
This program is free with registration and participants must attend both session days.
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FAQ
Yes! We’re excited for content that builds over the session. To receive ISBE professional development hours as well as the stipend, participants need to attend both full days of the session.
Yes! Each participant will be awarded a $500 stipend for attending both full days of the session.
This one-time stipend will be paid after completing the session. Additional details about this payment will be provided on the second day of the session.
Great question. This professional learning session is centered on the “No Small Plans” graphic novel with supporting material and sessions led by planning professionals and educators. Participants can anticipate a combination of classroom, place-based activities, and workshops.
If you’re registered but can no longer attend, please email caclearning@architecture.org as soon as possible with your name and the email used to register.
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