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Grant Wiggins Obituary
Visionary education reformer and self-professed "educational trouble-maker of longstanding" Grant Wiggins died at home on May 26, in Hartford, CT. Grant was a writer, a thinker, a researcher, a teacher, and a learner. Best known as the co-author of Understanding by Design, he challenged educators to think logically, designing instruction backward from clarity on learning goals. He believed that learning was not signaled by the accumulation of knowledge but, rather, by the power to take action. With a BA from St. John's College and an Ed.D. from Harvard, Grant went on to work on some of the most significant reform initiatives in the world, including the Coalition of Essential Schools, the AP and IB programs, and many state and national reform efforts. Grant's greatest joy was his family. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Denise Wilbur, with whom he shared every piece of his heart and mind. He also leaves dear children Alexis (Diego), Justin, Ian, and Priscilla Wiggins; parents Dorothy and Guy Wiggins; brothers Guy and Noel Wiggins; grandsons Elios and Amadeo Estrada; and best friend Jay McTighe. Grant also loved educators who wanted to make a difference and were willing to challenge themselves as part of that effort. And he loved rock and roll, soccer, good food and wine, Paris, the Red Sox, walks, and conversation. A public celebration of Grant's life and work will be planned for late July. Details will be published in his blog, "Granted...and."
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Memories and Condolences
for Grant Wiggins
Sponsored by the family.
August 31, 2016
Such a foundation to my work as an educator, through teaching elementary school, working at a regional education service agency, and now at the state level. My core came from Grant Wiggins (and Rick Stiggins, and Jay McTighe).
I am very sad he is gone. We need his work, and need to continue what he championed. I know I will.
Thank you Grant!
Dan Fouts
December 26, 2015
I just wanted to say that Grant was a true philosopher of education. His work was inspiring. Thank you. Rest in peace.
C Campbell
October 14, 2015
I am so sorry. The book UbD is one of my only college textbooks that I continue to refer to regularly. You seemed to hold a vision. The education world has lost a real champion, I believe. Peace and condolences to your family.
Arthur Maloney
June 28, 2015
Grant Wiggins was my guidance and beacon for most of my professional life. His dignified and revolutionary thoughts formed the foundation for countless educators in the creation of thoughtful schools. My deepest condolences to his family.
Jim Johnston
June 14, 2015
I was stunned yesterday to hear of Grant's passing at the reunion memorial service at Loomis. I had hoped to see him there as I infrequently did at NCTE conferences. We always ended our chance meetings with Ludlow forever. I was so excited that he had moved to the Hartford area and had high hopes of spending time with him. Although I was a senior when he was a freshman, we somehow hit it off when everything said we should not, but that was the way Grant was. He always made things happen that just did not seem to happen, but were so right when they did. Together we shared a love of bringing hope and possibility to students who did not necessarily realize they had any. He may be gone physically , but what he has done for so many educators will continue to bear fruit for so many of their students.
Josh Andrews
June 10, 2015
My most heartfelt sympathy to Grant's family at this time. I cannot express my sadness for your loss and the loss to his extended educational family. Although we never met, his words have inspired me to be a better educator. Thank you...
Anne Hamilton
June 9, 2015
I'm writing a piece about Grant for the Courant. If you have stories, please call, 860 916 3890.
Susan Reid
June 9, 2015
My sympathy and condolences to Grant's family and friends at this sad time. His vision and innovative approach to education has impacted so many teachers and consequently, thousands of students. We are so grateful for his wisdom and commitment to bettering the education of all children.
Gina Frasca
June 8, 2015
My deepest condolences to all of Grant's family. May you take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through the countless educators he impacted during his life. I am even more committed to spread Grant's teachings to every teacher and student that crosses my path. Much love and peace to you during this difficult time.
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