RWL Teacher Accelerator Spring 2021 Pilot
This spring, we kicked off a new Real World Learning Teacher Accelerator pilot, a collaboration between Kauffman Foundation and Startland. This pilot aims to seed and strengthen a regional community of practice among teachers implementing RWL (client-connected projects or entrepreneurial experiences) in their schools. The participants have been meeting virtually since January sharing best practices and ideas and providing support to each other. Throughout the program, the teachers were required to run an authentic RWL experience in their classrooms.
Featured RWL Teacher Accelerator Projects
A New Website for the Kansas Biology Teachers Association
Students from Ruskin Hickman, Center High School, and East High School in the Pathways to Technology Program are working with the Kansas Biology Teachers Association to redesign their website for an optimal user interface and user experience. The students interviewed Biology teachers from the state and subject matter experts in web design, and are currently creating wireframes for the redesign. They hope to launch a new site by the end of May with the coaching of their teacher, Jonathan Lane at PrepKC.
A New eCommerce Brand Sending Messages of Hope
Last fall, a duo team at Basehor-Linwood High School's Innovation Academy launched Bright Spot Co. Founders Riley and Gracie created this sticker and apparel company to send messages of hope and positivity amidst the pandemic. The business has seen such a surge of interest and demand that the two are now rethinking operations and suppliers. With the support of their Accelerator teacher, Jay Johnston, their goal is to stay focused on the on the creative vision and direction of the company. Check out their Instagram.
What our Participating Teachers are Saying
“I loved learning about the other teachers projects and learning from more experienced teachers who have already developed and implemented client connected projects. ”
“I believe that Real World Learning projects can be powerful in showing students they are agents of change in this world. I want to be part of this movement!”
“I loved todays session, loved the time we had with our breakout teams, looking forward to building stronger collaborative relationships with my peers. Thank you guys for doing this work, it’s awesome!”
