#1 We’re Back! July 11-14, 2023

Manchester, NH

Not only is Constructing Modern Knowledge returning for its 14th summer institute, but it is returning to its ancestral homeland of Manchester, New Hampshire, July 11-14, 2023. Constructing Modern Knowledge is a minds-on institute for educators committed to creativity, collaboration, and computing. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in intensive computer-rich project development with peers and a world-class faculty. Inspirational guest speakers and social events round out the fantastic event.

There is no professional learning event quite like Constructing Modern Knowledge and over the years, we have come to fall in love with the small, but vibrant, New England city of Manchester, New Hampshire. Just a short drive from Boston and most of the East Coast, Manchester has its own convenient airport, fantastic restaurants, parks, nightlife, homemade ice cream, and a legendary 24/7 diner home to Presidents and rock stars – all within walking distance of the institute where most of us “sleep above the shop.” Mild weather, low prices, and a terrific hotel staff makes “ManchVegas” feel like home.

Bring a team of 6 or more and receive a group discount. Schools really benefit from the experience when a team of colleagues return from the project-based learning adventure of the year.

Every reasonable precaution will be taken to ensure the health and safety of CMK participants and program changes have been implemented based on an abundance of caution regarding COVID-19.

#2 We’ve Got Half an EGOT!

CMK 2023 Guest Speaker Charlie Rosen has already earned a Grammy, Tony, and Obie Award

For fourteen years, Constructing Modern Knowledge has shared remarkable thinkers, inventors, activists, educators, scientists, and artists as guest speakers. These women and men are selected based on their wisdom, expertise, and excellence in pursuits not typically found in the school curriculum. We have punched above our weight with MacArthur geniuses, NEA Jazz Masters, Grammy Award-Winners, TV personalities, progressive education pioneers, and best-selling authors. CMK 2023 will be no different. (Check out the CMK Speaker Hall of Fame)

While we still have at least one guest speaker yet to confirm, we could not be more thrilled to announce that musical phenom, Charlie Rosen, will be a CMK 2023 guest speaker. At the age of 32, Mr. Rosen has already earned Tony, Grammy, and Obie awards. Charlie plays 70 instruments, has millions of YouTube views, been profiled in the New York Times, and his 30-65 piece 8-Bit Big Band brings video game music to the masses in an orchestral setting. (Learn more about Charlie Rosen here)


Rather than have just one or two other guest speakers, we believe it’s time to invite longtime CMK faculty members, with more than 200 years worth of combined educational leadership, to situate the future of learning-by-doing and progressive ideals in an intimate conversation.

During a tumultuous period such as this, it seems crucial to pause, steel our resolve, and set a course for tomorrow. This is only possible when we stand on the shoulders of giants, like those who will be part of the Legends Panel at Constructing Modern Knowledge 2023.

#3 Amazing Faculty

Members of the faculty celebrating the end of CMK 2022

The gifted and generous CMK faculty helps participants exceed their wildest expectations. Most of the faculty are expert educators who have participated in Constructing Modern for more than a decade. Others literally created the software and ideas that have sustained educational computing for more than a generation. Learn more our fabulous faculty here.

#4 New Project Pajama Party

In addition to the gala institute dinner at a Brazilian churrascaria (aka: Meatfest), we’re trying a new social event at CMK 2023. Thursday night, the workspace will be open from 7 PM until midnight for participants to put the finishing touches on their awesome projects fueled by finger food, snacks, deserts, fun, and fellowship. Come convene, create, and cavort with new and old friends at the CMK Project Pajama Party!

#5 Fireside Chat with Howard Gardner

Bring a team and save!

Building on a long tradition of offering opportunities for educators to spend time engaged in informal conversation with big thinkers at Constructing Modern Knowledge, this year’s institute features Harvard Professor Howard Gardner’s in an intimate virtual fireside chat.