Want to See an Innovation Lab in Action? Watch the Video from Lincoln Elementary School District 156 in Calumet City, IL
Inventionland Education was honored to serve as a sponsor of the 53rd Annual National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) Conference in Chicago, an event that brought together visionary educators, district leaders, and advocates from across the country to advance equity, innovation, and excellence in education.
As part of the conference’s pre-conference motor coach tour, NABSE attendees had the opportunity to visit one of the region’s most inspiring examples of immersive learning design: the new Innovation Center at Lincoln Elementary District 156 in Calumet City, Illinois. The Innovation Center was featured as a model for how thoughtfully designed, immersive environments can profoundly impact deep STEAM learning for students in grades K–8.
The tour resulted in a powerful two-minute video capturing educators from across the nation as they explored the Innovation Center firsthand, engaging with the space, asking questions, and envisioning how similar environments could transform learning in their own districts. The visit was led by Dr. Anita Rice, Superintendent of Lincoln Elementary District 156, whose leadership and vision were instrumental in bringing the Innovation Center to life.
Under Dr. Rice’s guidance, the district reimagined and repurposed old and outdated district office space, transforming it into a vibrant Innovation Center that now serves as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and applied problem-solving. The space reflects Inventionland Education’s belief that environment matters, and that when students are immersed in inspiring, real-world learning settings, curiosity deepens and engagement soars.
The response from NABSE educators reinforced a core principle of Inventionland Education’s work nationwide: immersive environments are not just visually compelling. They are catalysts for meaningful, future-ready learning. We are proud to partner with forward-thinking districts like Lincoln Elementary District 156 and to support NABSE’s mission of empowering educators and students through innovation.