mindSpark Learning transforms schools into centers of innovation
mindSpark Learning offers professional learning experiences for teachers and administrators to help schools equip students with critical 21st century skills they need to be successful in life.
“Our belief is that principals and teachers are the catalysts for transformation,” explained Kellie Lauth, Chief Executive Officer of mindSpark Learning. “By bringing them together with corporate leaders, innovators, and other rock stars in K-12 education, we help them embrace innovation to make their school the best of its kind in the city or district.”
Like Shark Tank — the business-themed reality series that gives entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas to venture capitalists — mindSpark Learning offers educators the chance to present ideas to a panel of top business leaders and educators who ask them questions about how their school uses new technologies, invests in professional development, and prepares students for success in life.
“At first, teachers and administrators are surprised by the methods we use, but quickly realize the value of approaching education with a business discipline,” Kellie continued. “We help schools shift their thinking to have a startup mentality that equips them to compete successfully in the rapidly-changing world of education.”
mindSpark Learning offers services in three areas:
- Professional Learning Experiences – offering resources to teachers and administrators to help sharpen their skills in instructional practices, the use of new technologies, and other areas of professional advancement.
- Education Accelerator — a nine-month program to help teachers and administrators identify and solve the biggest problem of practice in their school and make meaningful improvements over the course of a single year.
- In-School Consulting — designed to help schools transform classrooms with technology, professional co-teaching as a learning experience, and other innovative approaches.
The mindSpark Learning headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado has the look and feel of a high-tech startup with a light-filled interior highlighted by colorful accents and edgy “Steelcase” furniture. Futuristic classrooms and meeting spaces equipped with cutting edge technology allow educators to test new equipment before recommending it for their schools.
The conference rooms, virtual-meeting technology, and shared-work spaces at mindSpark Learning can be scheduled for use free-of-charge by educators. The facilities are a hub for collaborations between educators and leaders in high-tech sectors, advanced manufacturing, energy, clean tech, and other industries seeking to collaborate with educators on equipping students with the “in-demand” skills they will need to be successful in the future.
“In addition to technical skills, business leaders tell us they are seeking workers who can collaborate with others, be creative, and solve problems,” Kellie continued. “We also offer professional learning opportunities that bring educators and business leaders together to develop programs that help students develop personal skills that will benefit them no matter what career field they choose.”
As a principal in the Adams 12 Five Star School District in Colorado, Kellie is a highly-regarded educator who was one of the early implementers of the STEM curriculum, which focuses on educating students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Many people talk about what is broken in education, the approach of mindSpark Learning is to focus on what is working and provide resources to make it better,” Kellie added.
mindSpark Learning is a nonprofit organization launched and funded through the Morgridge Family Foundation. Kellie said that John and Carrie Morgridge developed mindSpark Learning to “honor and cherish educators at all public and independent/private schools.”
For more information, visit www.mymindSparkLearning.org
