Who We Are    

We are a sole source non-profit educational organization dedicated to helping primary and secondary teachers and administrators remember who they are—lovers of learning—by providing learning experiences of such magnitude that they transform the lives of the educators and their students.

Our trainings and certifications are based on distinctive educational modes.

These learning experiences are based on the unique educational philosophy of the “spirit of liberal learning for all” conceived and taught by Drs. Louise and Donald Cowan, a vision that has been changing the lives of primary and secondary educators since 1984.

“Liberal” in education is not a political
designation. It comes from liber, meaning
“free one.” This is an education designed and
suited for free people.

While holding to a high standard of academic excellence, the Cowans’ educational vision is distinct because it is grounded in the conviction that an education should help one become a better human being—better able to be in community, better able to communicate with people from all walks of life.

The Cowans’ educational vision is a humanizing vision that fosters and honors the human community, grounded in diverse voices of history around the world.

VISION

The MacMillan Institute equips and inspires public school educators to give all children an education that liberates them into their fullness both as individuals and thriving citizens in democracy.

MISSION

We advance our mission with three pillars of support for public school educators and public school systems: distinctive, human-centered trainings and certifications for public school educators at all levels and academic disciplines; a versatile, trademarked Academy model; and a distinctive, trademarked Pre-K—12 humanities curriculum for all public school children that may be licensed to use in our Academy models.