"Ann Kaiser provides educators with a deep understanding of what it means to think and act like an engineer. She starts with ideas about how to build a classroom culture in which engineering can flourish, regardless of subject matter, and takes us through a detailed and practical approach for getting started. She includes many templates and design models to imitate as teachers personalize the approach for their students. Finally, part 2 of the book is full of activities and projects that can take as little as twenty minutes or as long as a semester or a year, with many options in between. As I read this, I found many connections to our work with Habits of Mind and Personalized Learning. I can't wait to recommend it to my colleagues and clients."--Bena Kallick, co-director, Institute for Habits of Mind, strategic adviser, Eduplanet21 " Designing the Future is a blueprint for a successful and meaningful STEM program. As superintendent of schools, I chose to use part of my budget to fund Ann Kaiser as a consultant to work with ninety-three schools to change the way instruction is delivered.

Her book details how she proceeded to be a change agent who influenced student learning so there was a desire to learn to succeed. In her book, there are detailed rubrics for identifying the expectations to be met in the engineering design process. While the entire book is an educator's wish come true, my favorite part is the activities and projects. I have observed Ann teaching teachers and teaching students how engineering is integrated in all subject areas. She carefully expresses how to learn from failure, how to know your problem, how to know your options, how to develop a solution, and most importantly, how to go forward. Through her book, Ann helps students in all subject areas to think like engineers and to collaborate and work together so synergy is increased through teamwork. Unequivocally, I can say that having Ann Kaiser as a consultant for the Archdiocese of Newark was one of the best investments that our school office has made. I would encourage all superintendents to read Designing the Future and decide for themselves.

I assure you that you will not be disappointed. You will see learning through a different lens." --Margaret Dames, secretary for education and superintendent of Catholic schools, New Jersey.