An initiative conceived and directed by Project Zero researcher Sarah Sheya, JusticexDesign (JxD) is a professional development program for educators that encourages a systems approach for examining the human-designed world. It aims to cultivate sensitivity toward the ways systems can be exclusionary, unjust or unfair and to build agency for young people to act to improve those systems. 

JxD offers programming in several cities around the US. The DC-based JxD consortium is managed by the Professional Development Collaborative, and involves educators in the DC area from traditional public, independent and Catholic schools, as well as from museums.

The project began in DC in Fall 2019 with a cohort of 10 educators from diverse school settings. They co-constructed with Sheya a pedagogical framework and numerous practices that other educators could use. In the 2020-21 school year, JxD became part of the Maker-Centered Learning Consortium that includes Sacred Heart School, St. Thomas More Catholic Academy and Washington International School and is aligned with the Making Across the Curriculum project. 

In 2021-22, the consortium continued to expand its reach. JxD also offered a winter workshop series to local museum educators who have been involved in the PDC’s DCPZ network and WISSIT. 

In 2022-23, the PDC continues to support educators in using JxD practices and principles across schools and museums. 

JxD principles and practices have been featured at three maker-centered learning conferences hosted by the PDC, at the annual Project Zero Classroom summer institute, at WISSIT, and at specialized workshops. Learn more about the project and explore the framework on the JxD website.