Startup Weekend EDU: Unique & FREE PD Opportunity – November 13-14

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Startup Weekend CvilleDo you or your students have innovative education ideas, or would you want to team up with others who do? Join us November 13-14 for two days of creative problem solving at Western Albemarle High School for Startup Weekend Education (SWEDU). Pursue innovative education ideas together with students, pre-K to college educators, designers, computer programmers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

UPDATE: Based on feedback from previous and potential participants, we’ve made some adjustments to the schedule, branding and planning for the event:

  • We’ve cut the Sunday portion of the event.
  • The event will run 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
  • All projects are welcome. Education is still the overarching theme, but we’re encouraging any and all projects.

To kick things off, participants “pitch” problems they see in education on which they would like to work. After voting, participants form teams to work on a project. Pitch an idea of your own or join a team that inspired you! Over the course of Friday evening and Saturday, participants create a proof-of-concept, which can take many forms: a startup business model, policy draft, physical prototype, course syllabus, website, etc. The program concludes with project presentations, feedback, and reflection. In lieu of a competition with one winner, participants receive expert feedback and coaching, as well as post-event support.

Albemarle County is teaming up with ReinventED Lab to host this year’s SWEDU. Other sponsors include Social Entrepreneurship at UVA’s  Batten School of Public Policy, Youth and Social Innovation at the Curry School of Education, the Education Club at the Darden School of Business, Conversion Factor, HackCville, and many more.

Registration is FREE for all Albemarle County Public School teachers, and the division will grant 54 recertification points to all teachers who participate! Use the code albemarle to get your free registration. Register now »

This is an ideal networking opportunity for those who have an interest in learning about or sharing ideas and best practices for 21st century education and the business of innovation. Contact Chad Ratliff with questions.