Design Led Innovation at Serra High School

I am excited to help connect our students with more schools and speakers globally, help launch more self-directed student projects focused on innovative service, and work with faculty to explore how technologies like generative AI can be used productively and honorably for learning.

–Rushton Hurley

Rushton Hurley

Introducing Serra's New director of Design-Led Innovation

Rushton Hurley has been walking the halls of Junípero Serra High School for more than a decade wearing many hats, including technology advisor, design-thinking instructor and global education liaison. But beginning on May 16, Hurley chose to fasten just one steady hat as Serra’s first director of design-led innovation. This new position was created to support educational student programming and professional development that will take advantage of Serra’s new Stinson Center for Learning and Innovation.

In his new role, Hurley spearheads professional development to integrate design thinking, technology

and innovation into Serra’s robust academic program. He manages Serra’s new Design Thinking Lab and collaborates with the Director of Information Services, Patrick Vallez-Kelly, to develop opportunities in the Stinson Center for Learning and Innovation. Hurley works closely with students inside and outside of the classroom to support their learning.

Hurley has been a consultant at Serra for 13 years and has been instrumental in the development of Serra’s Creative Solutions for the Global Good class. During his time at Serra, he has drawn on his experience launching and running an online high school two decades ago, advising school leaders around the world, as well as his

many professional connections from his national and international network. Hurley played an important role in helping Serra transition to a 1:1 device school that utilizes Google Workspace. It also has connected Serra with Parklands College in Cape Town, South Africa, and Nagoya International School in Nagoya, Japan, to create international student connections and learn about different possibilities and cultures. This summer, Hurley took two students to Kyoto to present their projects as part of the Sagano High School Global Forum.

work with faculty to explore how technologies like generative AI can be used productively and honorably for learning.”

As director of innovation, Hurley engages with students, teachers, parents, alumni, administrators and community members to drive change and new growth, cultivate innovative capabilities and promote the value of design thinking and creative problem solving. He oversees and manages the Serra Global Speaker Series, Design-Led Innovation, and the Global Leadership Program. Additionally, Hurley is the lead instructor for the Creative and Advanced Solutions for the Global Good classes and the Global Leadership Seminar.

In its search for a leader for the innovation program, Serra sought a big-picture thinker and a hands-on implementer—attributes Hurley possesses, according to Assistant Principal of Academics Rita Lee.

Hurley’s extensive experience in technology and education have made him a highly respected presenter in conferences around the globe. He has worked extensively with educators, including his role as the MERIT Program Director for the Krause Center for Innovation. The program helped educators bolster their curriculum with new teaching methodologies and technology-enhanced learning activities to motivate, challenge and inspire the diverse learners and leaders of the future. Hurley received master’s degrees in education and East Asian studies from Stanford University.

“In his role as the Director of Design-Led Innovation, Rushton Hurley continues to champion Serra High School as the best place to teach young men what it means to be a Padre," Principal Charlie McGrath said.

"The development of new and ongoing programs focused on real life issues rooted with local and global application is exciting.”

Hurley expressed his excitement about joining the school in this capacity.

“The leadership is supportive of extending existing strengths and developing opportunities for Serra's community well beyond the boundaries of the campus," Hurley said. "Over the next few years, I am excited to help connect our students with more schools and speakers globally, help launch more self-directed student projects focused on innovative service, and

“With his extensive experience as a teacher and his expertise in innovation and technology, Rushton has a proven track record of inspiring students to think creatively and with a global perspective," Lee said. "He has the ability to take our Design-Led Innovation Program to new heights and develop our Global Leadership Program.”

Lee said she is looking forward to the new partnerships and connections that Hurley will forge.

“I am confident that our students will continue and expand their work to make a positive impact on the world under his guidance,” Lee added.

Hurley began his time at Serra as a technology consultant in 2010. He remembers his first days at Serra and how they made a memorable impact on him.

“I remember my first class visit years ago when I began working with Serra's teachers on the potential of technology," Hurley said. "It was Barb Luis' World History class, and she began the period asking students if there were any intentions. After two students mentioned people in other parts of the world who had been affected by disasters, a third student raised his hand and said simply, ‘I'm worried about my parents.’ I knew at that moment that I was in a special place, a place where boys could be comfortable figuring out who they are and what is important to them. I think for any of us, having the chance to contribute to what happens at Serra is a blessing. It's a blessing that carries a responsibility to figure out what's possible for inspiring students, and I am grateful to be part of this ongoing effort in this new position.”