Motivation to Innovation SFA STEM Academy, Brazosport ISD

The Innovator’s Mindset Written by George Couros “As leaders in education, our job is not to control those whom we serve bu to unleash their talent. If innovation is going to be a priority in education, we need to create a culture where trust is the norm.” The key component to innovation is TRUST.

The Key Components to Innovation Relationships Trust Risk Taking - A Culture of Yes Failure Resilience Highlighting Success

Relationships When we decide that WE is bigger than ME, true change will start to take place. Research has shown relationships are vital to success. An Innovative Culture starts on the basis of strong relationships. Staff and students Administrators and Staff and Students District and Campus Campus and Community

Trust Building the capacity for trust takes time. It's the little things that matter. Micromanagement vs. Facilitation Showing you care Drawing Attention to your mistakes The Buck stops with you - Staff have to know you have their back when Innovation is involved

Trust “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” Steven Covey

Risk Taking - Creating a “Culture of Yes” “When trust is the norm and people know they are supported, taking chances seems less “risky”-for learners, educators, and leaders. That doesn’t mean we should blindly say yes to everything, but it’s important to remember that saying yes allows us to find ways to make innovation happen.” George Couros, The Innovator’s Mindset

The Importance of Brainstorming Brainstorming makes it okay to not have all the answers Providing he opportunity for ideas to be heard and valued Creates an atmosphere of collaboration vs. isolation Produces accountability Creates trust and relationships

Risk Taking Space Chat with an astronaut aboard the ISS. Gators and Astros Building a STEM Lab Creating a STEM Academy SFA Food Truck Wars Family Nights Escape Rooms One to One Technology PK - 6 - Digital Coach

Risk Taking “Our job, sometimes, is simply to be the spark, help build confidence, and then get out of the way.” George Couros, The Innovator’s Mindset Empowering instead of overpowering is the key. When people are empowered to step out of the comfortable path, everyone benefits, especially the students.

Failure We’ve been taught that if we fail, we need to change. “I have not failed. I’ve found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison FAIL - First Attempt At Learning

Failure What do you do when something fails? High stakes Accountability make failure extremely risky yet great change may happen as a result of great failure. If innovative leaders are not supported during failure, motivation and innovation will not take place.

Resilience What happens after failure is the key to motivation. It is important to look at the great, the not so great, and the downright ugly. The choice leaders make after the evaluation either creates the motivation for innovation or cancels motivation all together. As a leader, I’ve made both mistakes and triumphs in this area. When you choose not to motivate, you lose trust and innovation.

Resilience The skill of resilience is something that can be taught to students. It is an important part of STEM education. This skill is one of the great predictors between life success and failure. Resilience is the lead component to teamwork.

Highlighting Success If you have it, flaunt it! Promote presentations at the campus, district, and state level. Builds morale and confidence - encourages innovation!

Flaunt It

Creativity Reigns

What My Staff Said I asked staff to reflect on how I motivate them. The Google Form was anonymous so I could receive honest feedback. Here are the results: Allowing us to attend different trainings that interest us and providing new strategies in an excited manner in PLCs and Staff Meetings. Giving us freedom to try new things even if we fail. Providing opportunities for us to go present at conferences and to go learn new things from others.

What My Staff Said Sending suggestions when you come across new things yourself. You always pass on good information. Sending me to conferences where I am able to learn new fun and innovative teaching techniques Sharing links and providing me with out-of-the box teaching techniques, allowing me to teach in a way that is non- traditional (more than pencil and paper), allowing time to plan in order to implement STEM problems and projects into my curriculum, and you trust that no matter how big or crazy an idea I have is, it is always in the students' best interest.

What My Staff Said Sharing websites related to my field You motivate me in the following ways: 1. You give me space and let me teach. 2. You challenge me to move out of my comfort zone. 3. You respect me . 4. You are patient and kind. 5. You've got my back. Showing me how to incorporate things

Thank You!!! Melania Gutierrez Principal - SFA STEM Academy, Brazosport ISD mgutierrez@brazosportisd.net @SFAHeadGator 979-730-7160