Teacher Ed’s MakerSpace: Where Future Teachers and Young Learners Become Makers

MakerSpace, the latest technological update in Teacher Education has made Room 1E05, one of the most exciting spaces in Teacher Education -- a place where creativity, technology, and hands-on learning come together.

With tools ranging from a laser cutter and Bambu P1S 3D printer to Cricut Makers and varied robotics kits, the MakerSpace invites everyone to design – including high school students, build, and experiment. York’s MakerSpace has attracted faculty visitors from other CUNY campuses who come to learn from our work. The most rewarding part is seeing our Teacher Education students grow into confident leaders who could design and lead MakerSpace events themselves in their future schools. The events are truly student-led, and we are incredibly proud of them.

A Halloween event so popular that there was a line out the door

For Halloween 2025, the MakerSpace hosted a festive event that drew such a crowd that at one point, a line formed in the hallway. Inside, visitors created custom stickers, laser-cut decorations, programmed robots through themed maps, and even stopped by a custom manicure station, where nail art was printed with their own graphic designs. The event captured the joyful, welcoming spirit of the MakerSpace, showing that making is for everyone.

John Adams High School students experience creative discovery

During their visit on November 13, 2025, students from John Adams High School were struck by how interactive and personal the MakerSpace felt. Many were captivated by the laser cutter, watching their keychains and coasters come to life. Others loved making vinyl stickers or customizing pencil cases. The manicure station surprised them with its friendliness and creativity, while the robotics activities brought out laughter, competition, and teamwork.

Their reflections described the space as fun, hands-on, creative, and welcoming. Some said it felt like tapping into “the creative side of your brain,” while others said they wished their friends had come because they “missed out.” The energy was busy, sometimes crowded, but in a way that felt exciting and full of possibility.

“York’s MakerSpace has attracted faculty visitors from other CUNY campuses who come to learn from our work. The most rewarding part is seeing our Teacher Education students grow into confident leaders who could design and lead MakerSpace events themselves in their future schools. The events are truly student-led, and we are incredibly proud of them.

A space open to all

The MakerSpace is open to all York College students, faculty, staff, and visiting school groups. Whether you’re designing instructional tools, exploring STEM technologies, or simply tinkering with a new idea, all you need to bring is curiosity and imagination - and dare to make.

We warmly invite faculty and educators to come visit us, bring your class, and make something together. The MakerSpace is an ideal setting for collaborative learning, creative exploration, and shared discovery across disciplines and grade levels.

The continued growth of the MakerSpace is made possible through strong departmental support and leadership within Teacher Education. The department’s commitment to innovation and experiential learning has been instrumental in sustaining this vibrant learning environment. York College also thanks Queens State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, chair of the Higher Education Committee, for allocating $15,000 in Senate Reso 1236 for the Department of Teacher Education’s Maker Space. It is a virtual candy store in terms of the technological excitement it generates.

At York College, everyone can be a maker! Please email us with any questions or to schedule a visit:

• Dr. Leslie Keiler, Department Chair, Teacher Education (LKeiler@york.cuny.edu)
• Dr. Xin Bai, Professor of Educational Technology, Teacher Education (XBai@york.cuny.edu)