My name is Amy Leidtke (pronunciation: 'light + key' + pronouns: she/her/hers). I am an author, artist, education and play designer, and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) educator. I am a lifelong master learner and teacher with experience providing professional development for K – 12 educators and teaching from K – 18 in a variety of informal and formal settings. I am passionate about making accessible creativity, learning, and play to people of all ages.
I am an author. Leonardo’s Art Workshop: Invent, Create, and Make STEAM Projects Like a Genius (Rockport) features the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci and tells young readers true stories about his way of seeing and making connections to everything and all phenomena. I clearly explain how and why things work in a way that respects children where they are at, then brings art, science, math, and engineering to life with hands-on projects that relate to the subjects discussed. Leonardo’s Art Workshop ignites the curiosity and problem-solving that made Leonardo a genius.
I am the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of *Leonardo’s Teaching & Learning Workshop, an education and play design consulting agency that serves museums, schools, nature centers, libraries, and parks departments. Leonardo’s specializes in planning, research, development, and design of innovative, interactive learning and play environments, hands-on educational products, STEAM curriculum for K – 12. Leonardo's provides STEAM professional learning opportunities for K – 12 educators that develop skills in creativity, empathy, problem solving, critical thinking and making, trans-literacy, and communication.
I am a RISD educator with twenty-five years of experience teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels in the Department of Industrial Design.
I am a public speaker who nationally advocates for equitable access to high-quality education in the arts, humanities, and sciences.
From RISD I hold a Master of Industrial Design and from Columbus College of Art and Design I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in industrial design.
How can I help your organization? Let's talk about your needs.
I can help with your Education and Play Design Project. I can provide you with engaging K- 12 STEAM Professional Development. I am available to help your staff gain creative confidence through Executive Training in Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Design Thinking. If you are planning a conference and need quality conference workshops and/or a keynote speaker, I can help.
Learn more about my expertise and services by exploring the website.
What can I do to help you? Contact me today to get the conversation started. My resume or CV is available upon request.
*Formerly named Leidtke Design | Photo credit: Mary Beth Meehan