Classroom innovation has become foundational to our work as educators and it has been an important contributor to our success as one of the highest performing school divisions in Virginia. Next weekend, November 14-16, there is a special event at Monticello High School that promises to build upon these accomplishments. Startup Weekend EDU and Hardware Hackathon Charlottesville brings together students, pre-K to college educators, designers, computer programmers, engineers, and entrepreneurs, all around the goal of transforming ideas for improving education from concept to prototype. Sponsors include the Curry School, PVCC, and the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE).
Over three days, participants in this concept incubator will share their ideas for maximizing student learning and receive feedback from instructional, technical and entrepreneurial experts. Friday evening is devoted to the selection of ideas with the most potential for successful development, but you don’t have to come with an idea—you can join a team that has an idea that interests you. During team sessions on Saturday and Sunday, each idea is researched, developed and prototyped. Sunday evening is devoted to concept demonstration. A panel of experts will provide analysis and suggestions for commercialization.
Meals and coffee from Zoe’s, Greenberry’s, and Christian’s will be provided throughout the weekend at no cost to participants.
The $99 registration fee is waived for all Albemarle County Public School teachers, and the division will grant 54 recertification points to all teachers who participate! More information on the weekend, including schedules and sign-up, is available on the Startup Weekend EDU website.
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 general questions or Becky Fisher with PD-related questions. To sign up, enter the code “acpsvip” or click here for free registration.