The Innovator’s Mindset

1. Innovation is a mindset, not just a buzzword

Innovation is a way of thinking that creates something new and better.

Define innovation in education. Innovation in education isn't about implementing the latest technology or following trends. It's about developing a mindset that constantly seeks to improve learning experiences for students. This mindset involves:

• Empathy for learners
• Problem-finding and solving
• Risk-taking
• Observing and networking
• Creating and reflecting

Cultivate innovative thinking. To foster innovation, educators must model these characteristics and create environments where students feel safe to take risks, explore new ideas, and learn from failures. This approach prepares students for a rapidly changing world where adaptability and creative problem-solving are essential skills.

2. Relationships are the foundation of innovative education

The three most important words in education are: relationships, relationships, relationships. Without them, we have nothing.

Build trust. Strong relationships between educators, students, and the community are crucial for creating an innovative learning environment. When people feel valued and trusted, they're more likely to take risks and share ideas.

Foster collaboration. Encourage:

• Open communication
• Shared decision-making
• Peer mentoring
• Cross-departmental projects

Embrace diversity. Recognize that diverse perspectives and experiences contribute to innovation. Create opportunities for people with different backgrounds and skills to work together and learn from each other.

3. Empower learners to take ownership of their education

Empowering students to succeed in school and life—means that we pay attention to the skills companies are seeking.

Shift from engagement to empowerment. While engaging students is important, empowering them to direct their own learning is crucial. This involves:

• Providing choices in learning activities and assessments
• Encouraging self-reflection and goal-setting
• Teaching self-advocacy skills
• Allowing students to pursue their passions

Develop real-world skills. Focus on cultivating skills that are valuable in today's workforce:

• Critical thinking
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Digital literacy

Create authentic learning experiences. Connect classroom learning to real-world applications through project-based learning, internships, and community partnerships.

4. Create a shared vision for learning with your community

Parkland School Division is a place where exploration, creativity, and imagination make learning exciting and where all learners aspire to reach their dreams.

Involve stakeholders. Develop a vision for education that includes input from:

• Students
• Teachers
• Administrators
• Parents
• Community members
• Local businesses

Make it actionable. Translate the vision into concrete goals and strategies that can be implemented in classrooms and schools.

Communicate and revisit. Regularly share progress towards the vision and be open to adjusting it as needed based on feedback and changing circumstances.

5. Focus on strengths to unleash talent and foster innovation

It takes far less energy to move from first-rate performance to excellence than it does to move from incompetence to mediocrity.

Identify individual strengths. Use tools and assessments to help educators and students recognize their unique talents and abilities.

Create opportunities for growth. Provide:

• Personalized professional development for educators
• Student choice in learning activities and projects
• Leadership roles based on individual strengths

Celebrate diverse talents. Recognize that innovation comes from leveraging a variety of skills and perspectives. Create an environment where all types of strengths are valued and utilized.

6. Leverage technology to enhance learning, not replace it

Learners are the driver, and technology is the accelerator.

Focus on learning goals. Start with clear learning objectives, then determine how technology can support and enhance those goals.

Promote digital literacy. Teach students to:

• Critically evaluate online information
• Use digital tools responsibly and effectively
• Create and share content ethically

Embrace new possibilities. Explore how technology can transform learning experiences:

• Virtual field trips and global collaborations
• Personalized learning paths
• Real-time feedback and assessment
• Creative content creation (e.g., podcasts, videos, digital art)

7. Less is more: Focus on depth over breadth in learning

If we are to create a system that nurtures critical thinkers, supports risk-takers and encourages ongoing transformation, and that places a high value on creative and insightful learning / teaching in classrooms.

Prioritize essential learning. Identify the most crucial concepts and skills in each subject area and allocate more time for in-depth exploration.

Encourage deep learning. Promote:

• Project-based learning
• Inquiry-based approaches
• Cross-disciplinary connections
• Extended time for reflection and revision

Limit initiatives. Focus on a few key areas for improvement rather than implementing numerous programs simultaneously. This allows for more thorough implementation and evaluation of new approaches.

8. Embrace an open culture of sharing and collaboration

Competitive collaboration in an open environment can accelerate innovation.

Foster a sharing mindset. Encourage educators to:

• Share lessons and resources
• Blog about their experiences
• Participate in professional learning networks
• Present at conferences or workshops

Leverage technology for collaboration. Use tools like:

• Social media (e.g., Twitter chats, Facebook groups)
• Online platforms for sharing resources (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Video conferencing for virtual collaborations

Create a culture of "competitive collaboration." Encourage friendly competition that drives innovation while maintaining a spirit of cooperation and shared learning.

9. Reimagine professional development for educators

If we want innovative students, we need to focus on becoming innovative educators.

Make it personalized and relevant. Offer:

• Choice in professional development topics
• Self-directed learning opportunities
• Peer coaching and mentoring programs

Model innovative practices. Use the same approaches in professional development that you want to see in classrooms:

• Project-based learning
• Technology integration
• Collaborative problem-solving

Provide ongoing support. Move beyond one-off workshops to create sustained learning experiences:

• Professional learning communities
• Action research projects
• Ongoing coaching and feedback

10. Measure success beyond standardized tests

Success is quite difficult to quantify, but like most aspects of education, we should consider it through the lens of our students.

Use multiple measures. Consider:

• Digital portfolios showcasing student work
• Performance-based assessments
• Student self-assessments and reflections
• Long-term tracking of student outcomes (e.g., college/career success)

Focus on growth. Emphasize individual progress over time rather than comparing students to a single standard.

Gather qualitative data. Collect stories and feedback from:

• Students
• Parents
• Teachers
• Alumni
• Community partners

Align measurement with vision. Ensure that the ways you measure success reflect the skills and qualities outlined in your shared vision for learning.

Last updated: January 24, 2025