Startland Education launches first-ever “City-wide MECA Methods” training for Educators
This September, we launched the first City-wide version of our signature professional development opportunity, MECA Methods. MECA Methods is a three-day training for Kansas City educators to immerse themselves in the design thinking process, expand their network and design an experience for their students.
Our team launched the first in a series of in-person, city-wide experiences to kickstart the 2022-2023 school year, and to build a network of Real World Learning educators across the Kansas City Metro.
Check out some of the educators from the inaugural class below!
Featured Educators
Design Challenge: “HOW MIGHT WE create classrooms that offer meaningful & engaging learning experiences for students?”
Rebecca Polasek
School: Grain Valley
Subject: Math
Proposed Solution: “Creating surveys and student-panel discussions, ongoing trainings, and check-ins.”
Brett Gilio
School: Independence School District
Subject: Biology and Earth Science
Proposed Solution: “A website that connects teachers with relevant community resources and field experts to better engage classrooms.”
Britney Williams-Bey
School: Piper Schools
Subject: Project-Based Learning
Focus Area: “R+R: Cultivating deeper Relationships and content Relevance amidst students.”
Camille Burgmeier
School: De La Salle
Subject: Biology
Proposed Solution: “A student-driven campaign that allots students to request speakers and experts at their school.”
Redesigning Kansas City’s classrooms.
Check out a quick recap of our class’ pitch-day at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Our Impact
“The team building activities help open my mind to new ideas and how to take them into the classroom.”
— Anonymous, Piper School District
“Pacing was on point for those that have done this work previously, but still enough pacing for new thinking. I appreciated all the snacks, lunch, and resources! Networking being built into the day definitely helped form relationships.’”
— Anonymous, Hogan Preparatory Academy
“The presentation process was very intriguing. It helped me get out of a comfort zone as a way to develop and grow.”
— Anonymous, KIPP KC
Photos captured by Clark Stinson.
Thank You to Our Partners
Congratulations to our inaugural class of City-wide MECA Methods!
Interested in partnering with us?
