and you're ready to bring that to life
through creative teaching that strengthens student achievement and teacher wellbeing
for meaningful, joyful education
If you have a strategic vision
you're in the right place
I draw on my PhD in Arts Education, my MA in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in cross-faculty inquiry, and my experience leading school transformation to create bespoke educational encounters that bring educators face-to-face with their aspirations—simultaneously strengthening teaching, student engagement, and wellbeing.
an award-winning teacher, international pedagogical consultant, best-selling author, and founder of the Pop-Up Studio approach.
Hi! I’m Dr. Misty–
For over 25 years, I’ve been obsessed with making academic subjects meaningful because school was the opposite for me: I was called “disappointing.” My life’s mission is to help every learner feel valued, find meaning, and know they have something to contribute.
I’ve discovered that thoughtfully designed creative experiences help my learners feel well while thinking well. They experience motivation and accomplishment, demonstrate deeper understanding—and often surprise themselves and the adults around them with what they can do.
I want you and learners to experience that creative magic, too.
For me, flourishing means experiencing wellbeing, fulfilment and possibility in who we are, how we relate, and
who we are becoming.
What does it mean to Flourish in schools?
A facilitated professional community for experienced educators who want to flourish in their practice and life.
Focused time with Misty to move an inquiry forward in your teaching, leadership or scholarly work.
Experiences that deepen learner engagement, thinking and agency while strengthening teaching practice.
Participatory keynotes that invite a whole room to think, create and see what matters in education differently.
Focused professional learning that educators experience firsthand-and can bring into practice.
How can I support you?
TRUSTED BY EDUCATORS AND SCHOOLS AROUND THE WORLD
— Kath Murdoch
Schools looking for support and advice from experts deserve educators with broad and deep lived experience, academic integrity, original thinking, and a sophisticated understanding of professional learning. Dr. Misty Paterson fits those criteria perfectly.”
I’ve recommended Misty to schools and drawn on her expertise in my own research and writing because I trust both the quality of her work and the way she works with educators.
Wellbeing. Teaching. Learning. Each one strengthens the others.
Creative health provides the rationale for why creative experiences, and meaningful participation matter for wellbeing. My signature Pop-Up Studio approach provides the pedagogical framework for bringing those health benefits into academic inquiry across subject areas, holistically.
Educators experience the same artful, inquiry-rich practices they can adapt with students, bringing being well and teaching well into the same experience.
Rather than adding another wellbeing initiative to an already full plate, the Pop-Up Studio approach brings creativity, connection, and meaningful participation into daily life in schools—strengthening wellbeing, teaching, and student learning together.
What if Teaching Well and Being Well Didn't Have to Compete?
CREATIVE HEALTH IN SCHOOLS
—Tara Abernethy,
High School Teacher
I really loved how you invited us to share and take risks while stating that you respect our boundaries. I felt really secure in participating and that is not always easy for me. I would like to create that kind of a space for my students.
The free Hosting Kit includes creative activities, role cards, invitation wording, planners, and examples to help you create your own Reading Social.
Just add a good book and good company :).
Bring creativity, connection, and joy to professional learning.
Great professional books offer powerful ideas. But how we gather around those ideas matters, too. Inspired by my Pop-Up Studio approach, The Reading Social transforms professional reading into a creative, participatory experience that nurtures educator wellbeing, strengthens relationships, and brings new possibilities into teaching practice.