Who We Are

The Center for City Building Educational Programs was incorporated in 1974 as a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Corporation. It continues to be an active organization that is devoted to training K-12 teachers, from any subject field, nationally and internationally in the Doreen Nelson method of Design Based Learning (DBL).


What we do

Evaluate Results

  • Develop a longitudinal study of MA graduates to determine the longevity and extent of DBL usage

  • Track students from a random group of teachers to learn what they are doing today and how DBL has enriched their understanding of the world

  • Study teacher effectiveness in training others in various elements of DBL

  • Learn the "diaspora" of DBL today from its inception in 1969 (how many students, school districts, where, etc.)

  • Identify successful DBL teacher and document their stories

  • Compile qualitative and quantitative results from DBL classrooms

  • Develop evaluative tools for assessing higher level thinking skills in the areas of social justice and democratic problem-solving

Develop Teacher Leaders, DBL Fellow

  • Maintain and expand the expertise of DBL graduates

  • Set up a networking system to share classroom practice

  • Establish peer observation and coaching of classroom practice

  • Develop graduates of DBL as trainers for professional staff development

  • Build a cadre of DBL teachers who can be hired in universities and post secondary institutions

  • Co-write articles with teachers

  • Showcase best classroom practice





Expand DBL Practice

  • Offer 120 hour certificate program to train teachers in the DBL methodology

  • Offer one day professional development at school sites

  • Offer a wider variety of general classes wanting to learn the DBL methodology

  • In-service administrators/principals/parents to gain support for teachers

  • Broaden the program to an Out-of State audience


The Board of Directors

Doreen Gehry Nelson - President/Director

Alan Mandell - Vice President

Bobbi Mapstone - Secretary

Alejandro Gehry - Treasurer

Marcia Melkonian - Treasurer