“I’m thankful for having an administration that supports risk-taking and for students who aren’t afraid to try new things.” –Heather J., English/Language Arts, Grades 9-12, Bellevue, WA

“I am thankful to work in a classroom where students’ parents are highly involved.”  –Corrin M., pre-K, New Orleans, LA

“I am thankful for knowing during the school day my kids are loved, have fun and are able to be themselves. I am thankful I am able to make a difference in their lives.” –Jessica A., Special Education Math, Grades 9-12, Penninsula, OH

“I am thankful for the MANY people (family, friends, colleagues, educational partners) that support my ambitions and share my vision to remake learning!” –Mandy F., Instructional Designer, Burgettstown, PA

“I am thankful that every day I get to change lives. I am thankful for the ‘ah-ha!’ moments with my students when I see it all come together. And I’m grateful for free coffee in the teachers’ lounge.” –Christopher W., Algebra and Geometry, Grades 9-12, Winston-Salem, NC

“This year, I am grateful for my loving husband, caring family, loyal friends, supportive colleagues, and dedicated teachers and educators who devote their lives and talents to nurturing the curious minds of children.” –Alyssa M., STEM Project Coordinator, Pittsburgh, PA

“I am thankful for a grade level team that supports each other both in and out of school. In addition, students who challenge me daily and somehow still find a way to make me smile.” –Jolie B., 4th Grade, Hendersonville, TN

“I am grateful to teach ESL and ELA to students how have emigrated from countries such as Nepal, Yemen, Iraq, China, the Philippines, and Mexico! It is my great privilege to witness the growth of their English-language proficiency and to share the cultural exchanges that happen naturally in the classroom.” –Melody B., ESL/ELA, Grades 9-12, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

“I am thankful for my teaching team. We collaborate on big projects and our students get a chance to see teamwork in action.” –Shannon J., 6th Grade, Tempe, AZ

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the foundation that shapes a student and their school experience. I’m also grateful to all of the parents who trust me with their children.” –Erin B., Intervention Specialist, Grades 3-5, Westerville, OH

The post Teachers Tell Us What Inspires Them appeared first on Inventionland Education.

As part of our interactive, 9-step inventing course developed out of our Education Division, the groups began their journey into real-world inventing at our creative space. After a lot of hard work in the classroom, they returned to Inventionland®last Thursday to present their class-culminating projects to our expert panel of judges.

Founder and CEO George Davison led the panel, which also included community innovators Bill Mitas, Les Lockerman, Jim Yedinak, Mark Sorka, and Carla Ryba.

The four DuBois Business College students, Rachael Westover, Vivianna Forrest, Janna Whitling and Kyle Concannon, divided into two teams that utilized STEM education and the nine-step inventing method that anchors our project-based course to bring two new product ideas to life: the Pak Bag and Pong Ready.

The Pak Bag took home top prize last Thursday, but the immediate feedback we’ve received from DuBois Business College representatives proves that everyone left Inventionland®as a winner!

Here’s a snippet of the feedback we’ve received so far:

“Thank you so much for making the day so special for our students… We always feel like part of the Inventionland®family every time we arrive. THANK YOU for the gracious hospitality shown to all of us. I really enjoyed watching the interaction and teamwork among the Inventionland®employees.

“I also appreciate [George] taking the time to interact with the students and give them feedback, as well as meeting with [our instructors]. We had our in-service on Friday and everyone was ‘buzzing’ about the great job with our students and the Inventionland®project.

“May we continue to see this enthusiasm GROW!”

– Jackie Syktich, DuBois Business College President/CEO

“I would [like to] thank you for everything on Thursday. I think it went quite well. Everyone here was so excited to hear what happened and was amazed on how well the two products turned out. They all loved the trophy… They are still pumped up from this experience.

“[We] are putting together plans for the next classes and how to make them as enjoyable as this one. You… have given us a lot of great ideas for the future and we can’t wait to do it again.

“Thanks again!”

– Darren Kite, DuBois Business College Instructor/Technology Assistant

It’s one thing to read about the overflowing innovation that the Inventionland® Education Division course can encourage; but, it is another thing to see that collaboration in action. We’ll share an exclusive video look inside the DuBois Business College’s Inventionland®presentations next week!

The post DuBois Business College Students Complete Inventing Curriculum with Innovative Presentations! appeared first on Inventionland Education.