Startland and Burns & McDonnell open applications for second cohort of the Early Educator Fellowship

Startland is proud to be partnering with Burns & McDonnell once again to offer a new immersive professional development opportunity for K-6 educators: The Burns & McDonnell Early Educator Fellowship. This will be the second cohort of the Fellowship since its inception.

Kindergarten student at Brookside Charter Elementary

The Burns & McDonnell Early Educator Fellowship is a two-semester program focused on human-centered design thinking. Design thinking is a transferable, problem-solving framework similar to and compatible with the engineering design process, but more interdisciplinary and broadly applicable.

Through this fellowship, educators learn how to leverage design thinking for impactful project-based learning and how to infuse problem-solving across the curriculum. The program is hands-on, built on the “flipped classroom” model and leverages a cohort model, giving teachers peer resources from across their community.

Designed for STEM and non-STEM educators alike, the 100% virtual program provides project/problem-based learning for students with varying levels of comfort with STEM subjects.

Kindergarten student and teacher at Brookside Charter Elementary

The program culminates with teachers earning a design thinking certificate and receiving a stipend upon completion.

Educators who complete the fellowship program will receive a $1,000 stipend and a design thinking certificate. Educators will not be obligated to share any student information or data to participate.

Applications are due November 19th. To learn more and apply, click here.

Schedule

Each cohort session will take place during after-school hours on a Thursday. Exact time to be determined by the cohort, depending on availability and schedules.
 

Semester 1: Design Thinking Training + Project Design

Module 1: Understanding the Problem

Jan. 13: Intro to Design Thinking

Jan. 27: Empathize + Define (this date is subject to change)

Module 2: Designing Sustainable Solutions

Session Date TBD: Ideate

Session Date TBD: Prototype

Session Date TBD: Test + Ideate

Module 3: Make It Real

Session Date TBD: Launch

Session Date TBD: Panel discussion with STEM professionals

Module 4: Design Thinking in the Classroom

Session Date TBD: Design Problem-Based Learning Experiences

Session Date TBD: Implementing Problem-Based Learning Experiences

Semester 2: Project Implementation

Module 5: Building a Culture of Innovation in School

Session Date TBD: Reflect on Early Learnings

Session Date TBD: Reflect on Overall Learnings

Session Date TBD: Module 5 Support

Questions? Email Charlotte Lewin (Senior Community Relations Strategist) at stem@burnsmcd.com or Izsie Robinson (Product Manager) at izsie@startland.org