National Personalized Learning Day is celebrated on January 21 (1.21), a nod to the 1-to-1 learning model that transforms education. This day invites educators everywhere to experience the impact of truly personalized learning, even within a busy classroom. On 1.21, we challenge educators to carve out intentional one-to-one moments with their students and see how small shifts can make a big difference in engagement and growth.
National Personalized Learning Day Challenge
National Personalized Learning Day is about bringing the best parts of 1-to-1 learning into any classroom: focused attention, genuine curiosity, and meaningful connection. Even in a larger class, teachers can bring the spirit of personalized learning to life with simple, impactful shifts. Here are a few ways to try it:
1. Start with connection
Kick off the day with a quick activity that reveals student interests. This might be a Bingo board, a scavenger hunt, or a short “Would you rather…?” game. Knowing your learners and helping them feel seen is the first step to personalizing instruction.
2. Offer learning choices
Use a choice board or learning menu so students can pick how they explore the topic at hand or show what they know. A little autonomy goes a long way!
3. Follow their curiosity
If a student shows interest in something related to the lesson, even if it branches in a new direction, invite them to explore it. Build in moments for students to share how the lesson ties to their personal interests.
4. Model real learning (and failing)
Show students that mistakes are normal. Invite them to respectfully correct you, offer feedback, or watch how you think through a misunderstanding. Doing this builds resilience and trust.
5. Looking for a little support?
Fusion has created templates to help you dip your toes into crafting personalized lessons, no matter your subject or grade level. To learn more about Personalized Learning Day and download templates, visit here!
National Personalized Learning Day FAQs
Why was National Personalized Learning Day created?
Personalized Learning Day is about bringing the best parts of 1-to-1 learning into any classroom: focused attention, genuine curiosity, and meaningful connection. Even in a larger class, teachers can bring the spirit of personalized learning to life with simple, impactful shifts.
Who created this day?
What is the hashtag?
Share photos and stories of how you celebrated National Personalized Learning Day to inspire other educators to create meaningful 1-to-1 moments with their students. Use the hashtag #PersonalizedLearningDay when you post on social media!
How to Observe National Personalized Learning Day
Get inspired
Learn more about National Personalized Learning Day and download ready-to-use templates on Fusion Academy’s Resources page!
Plan your day
Whether it’s a quick check-in with each student or a special class activity, come prepared with a plan that celebrates the power of 1-to-1 learning.
Have fun!
Get ready to spark real academic, social, and emotional growth—and don’t forget to share your celebration on social media using #PersonalizedLearningDay.
5 Facts About Personalized Learning
1-to-1 learning works
1-to-1 education is a proven, effective strategy for increasing student learning outcomes (Fryer & Howard-Noveck, 2020).
It closes learning gaps
Personalized learning enables students to gain essential skills or concepts from past years that were missed or not fully covered (Zhou, Molfino, & Travers, 2021).
It supports every kind of learner
Instructional approaches using 1-to-1 learning are particularly effective in supporting a wide range of learners, including students who have fallen behind academically (Nickow, Oreopoulos, & Quan, 2020; Robinson, Kraft, Loeb, & Schueler, 2021).
In-school 1-to-1 instruction is most powerful
1-to-1 education during the school day leads to greater learning gains than after-school or summer interventions (Nickow, Oreopoulos, & Quan, 2020).
Personalized learning accelerates growth
Personalized learning enables students to progress two to three times faster than their peers academically (Robinson, Kraft, Loeb, & Schueler, 2021).
Why National Personalized Learning Day is Important
One student. One teacher. One connection.
Teachers didn’t enter education just to manage classrooms, they entered it to make a difference. Yet between lesson plans, grading, and large class sizes, moments of real connection can feel rare.
National Personalized Learning Day (1.21) is a reminder that even small, meaningful interactions can have a big impact. It’s about creating moments that build trust, spark engagement, and help every student feel seen—whether it’s a quick check-in, letting students choose how to show what they know, or a simple conversation that shows they care.The importance of personalized learning
In traditional classrooms, teachers work to meet the needs of many different learners at once — a task that’s as challenging as it is important. Even the best educators can find it difficult to give every student the focused time and attention they deserve.
Personalized learning offers a way to bridge that gap. By creating space for one-to-one connection and adapting content to a student’s pace, interests, and goals, teachers can spark deeper engagement and confidence.Reclaim 1-to-1 connection in any classroom
At its core, personalized learning works because students thrive when their needs are met and they feel genuinely known. By creating opportunities for choice and connection, even just for one day, educators can honor that truth and give students an experience that can spark real academic, social, and emotional growth.
National Personalized Learning Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 21 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 21 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 21 | Sunday |
| 2030 | January 21 | Monday |
