As a first step to help prepare educators to teach 21st Century innovation skills in their classrooms, Charter Partners Institute partnered with the Carbon Lehigh IU #21 and DeSales University to offer “Teach21″ in summer 2009.   This program brought together pioneering educators for four days in August (10-13) and two follow-up Saturdays (Sept 26 and Oct 17) to work on learning to teach the kinds of 21st Century innovation skills described on this site.  To download the brochure for this program, click the link below.

The program proved to be interesting and enlightening for all involved.   The educators said it was very different than any “teacher training” program they had been to before.  They were engaged not just as teachers but as people, and they left with an entirely new perspective on what students can accomplish and how to challenge them.  Some of their comments were:

“The setting, the program, the people — everything existed in such a uniquely inspiring way.  Very thought provoking, as well.”

“I tend to struggle with coming out of myself and trusting others — and I really saw the value in teamwork.”

“It’s hands-on and unlike any other teacher training program you’ve ever experienced.”

“You can learn from successes and failures, and each can be of value.”

“The most valuable thing was the excitement of inspiring creativity.  I can’t wait to try new teaching techniques in the classroom.”

“[I learned] a new way to think and teach.”

We hope this program will be the first step toward a community of practice that continues to work on both strategy and practical techniques to incorporate 21st Century innovation skills within education for every student.

The Institute has plans to offer Teach21 again probably at about the same time in August 2010.   Stay tuned for more information as these plans come together.