Empowering Educators, Inspiring Inventors: The Transformative Journey of Project Invent's Educator Training
At Project Invent innovation in education transcends traditional boundaries, creating a transformative experience for educators and students alike. Our educator training, Fellow Institute epitomizes this commitment, reshaping the conventional landscape of teacher training into an immersive, enriching journey of discovery, creativity, and empowerment.
Experiential Learning: Walking in Students' Shoes
At the core of our approach is experiential learning. During our training, educators step into the shoes of students, engaging in a full invention cycle over an intensive four-day period. This immersive experience simulates the student journey, encompassing the highs of interviewing and empathizing with a community partner (CP), the excitement of brainstorming, the challenges of the building phase, and the ultimate triumph of pitching an innovative idea.
Student Panel
“By experiencing the invention cycle themselves, educators gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs their students face.”
Jillian Harmon, our Assistant Director of Programs, explains the profound impact of this method: “By experiencing the invention cycle themselves, educators gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs their students face.” This sentiment is echoed by a Summer 2020 participant, who shared, “It is important to frequently go through the same process that we put our students through in order to better facilitate the learning that we hope will occur.” This deep dive into the student experience fosters a unique empathy and insight, equipping educators with the tools to more effectively guide and inspire their students.
Theory of Change: Student Mindsets and Teacher Practices
Our training delves deep into the “what” and the “how” of teaching. We challenge educators to adopt new mindsets and practices that can revolutionize the learning experience. Grappling with concepts like “being a co-learner” and “making failure okay” are central to our ethos. These practices, while challenging, are vital for fostering an environment where students can thrive and innovate.
Theory of Change
We believe there are specific teacher practices that build 21st-century mindsets in students. Our Fellowship helps educators grow their practice to empower students as fearless and compassionate problem solvers.
A Fall 2022 Fellow encapsulated the transformation experienced: “I used to think I needed to be knowledgeable on a subject before exposing my students to that subject. Now I think we can be co-learners, and the students will still learn great lessons.” This shift from a traditional teaching model to one that embraces co-learning and resilience is a cornerstone of our program, enabling educators to facilitate a more dynamic and inclusive learning experience.
Community Building: Fostering Connections and Growth
A unique aspect of Project Invent is the emphasis on community building. Educators join a vibrant movement of like-minded individuals, creating a network of support and inspiration. This community aspect is particularly valuable in an educational landscape where such connections can be rare.
As one Fall 2022 Fellow remarked, “I think making connections and having a support system has made this experience wonderful. I also think I have gotten a huge confidence boost and believe that I am capable of working with high school students and able to mentor them despite the fact that I am not an expert.” These connections go beyond the training event, forming a lasting network that continues to support and enrich educators' professional journeys.
Authentic Learning Experience with Real Community Partners
Our training stands out for its use of real-life community partners like Jimmy Uharriet. This direct interaction with a CP not only brings authenticity to the learning process but also highlights the critical role these individuals play in the invention journey. Working with a real person, as opposed to a theoretical user, adds depth and realism to the project, making the problem-solving process more meaningful and personal.
A Summer 2022 participant shared their experience: “My biggest takeaway was working with Jimmy. Hearing his experiences from a personal point of view made the invention or finding a solution personal.” This authentic engagement with real-world scenarios elevates the learning experience, providing educators with practical insights that they can take back to their classrooms.
Looking Forward: A Continuum of Growth and Inspiration
As we look to the future, Project Invent remains dedicated to evolving our training programs to meet the ever-changing needs of educators and students. We are committed to empowering educators, helping them rediscover the joy of teaching and the excitement of learning. This journey is about more than just imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring a new generation of inventors, thinkers, and problem-solvers.
In Jillian's words, “Project Invent is more than a training; it’s a journey from 'I think' to 'I can.'” This journey transforms educators, equipping them with the confidence and skills to foster an environment where creativity and innovation flourish. A Summer 2023 participant summed up the impact of this experience: “There is so much valuable information here. Everything is practical and clearly outlined with examples. You feel incredibly supported and valued. You can feel that students are at the center of this and there is an earnest desire to make kids feel like they can change their world.”
“There is so much valuable information here. Everything is practical and clearly outlined with examples. You feel incredibly supported and valued. You can feel that students are at the center of this and there is an earnest desire to make kids feel like they can change their world.”
Join us on this transformative journey at Project Invent, where every student is an inventor, and every educator's potential impact is unleashed. Together, we are not just teaching; we are empowering, inspiring, and creating a brighter future.