The purpose of this project is to cultivate a dynamic Innovator Cohort among ASF faculty and staff, fostering creative teaching and authentic connections within the school community. Through collaboration with community partners, participants will explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning, enhancing their self-directed learning and academic mindset. By engaging in critical reflection and problem-solving, educators will develop and prototype new strategies that can be shared and showcased to inspire broader educational transformation.

The learning goals for this project focus on fostering self-directed learning, enhancing academic mindset, and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Participants will engage in reflective practices to understand their learning preferences and motivations, while collaborating with community partners to address real-world challenges. Through the creation and sharing of innovative teaching prototypes, participants will contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and authentic connections within the school community.

Throughout the project, participants will develop prototypes of innovative teaching strategies and learning experiences that can be implemented in their classrooms. By the end of the 40-week period, each member of the innovator cohort will have created a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their prototypes, reflections, and assessments of their projects. This portfolio will serve as a valuable resource for sharing best practices and inspiring other educators within the school community. Additionally, an exhibition event will be organized to present these innovations, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration among faculty, staff, and community partners.

Begin the project with an engaging workshop where participants collaboratively explore the essential question through interactive activities. Facilitate discussions with community partners to identify real-world challenges and opportunities for innovation within the school. Introduce the application process for the Innovator Cohort, guiding participants through the rubric to ensure clarity and transparency. Encourage participants to reflect on their motivations and learning styles, setting the stage for self-directed learning throughout the project.

To showcase the learning and innovation of the cohort, organize a community-wide event where participants present their classroom prototypes and share their experiences through interactive demonstrations and storytelling. Include a gallery walk featuring multimedia displays and project artifacts, allowing attendees to engage directly with the work and ask questions. Collaborate with local businesses and universities to provide feedback and potential partnerships that could extend the impact of the innovations beyond the school.