Join us for an interactive session that combines the power of design thinking with the collaborative spirit of an EdCamp Unconference. This session will empower educators to explore innovative approaches to solving challenges in education.

Objective:

Participants will engage in hands-on activities to apply design thinking methodologies and share insights through participant-driven discussions in an EdCamp format. The session aims to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and peer-to-peer learning among educators.

Outcomes:

• Gain practical experience in applying design thinking principles to educational challenges.

• Collaborate with peers to explore diverse topics of interest and share best practices.

• Enhance skills in empathy-driven problem-solving and ideation

Target Audience:

Educators, administrators, and education professionals interested in exploring innovative teaching methodologies and fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity in educational settings.

Overview:

This 90-minute workshop begins with a guided introduction to design thinking, including hands-on activities such as empathy mapping and prototyping. Participants will then transition into an EdCamp-style unconference where they propose and discuss topics of interest related to innovation in education. Facilitators will guide the sessions, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

Presenter Bio:

Marla Hunter [Hooper] is the founder of two distinguished companies: Live.Love.Teach!, LLC, a renowned global education consulting firm, and Live. Love. Swim!, LLC, an innovative global/mobile swim company dedicated to promoting diversity in aquatics. With a proven track record of collaborating with international organizations and addressing influential audiences, Marla is a champion of inclusivity in both education and aquatic spaces. As a first-generation American with Jamaican heritage, she recognizes the strength and enrichment that diverse backgrounds bring to our collective community. Marla is a seasoned expert in providing comprehensive DEIJB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging) training. Currently, she holds a faculty position at American University, where she imparts her expertise to aspiring educators, focusing on culturally relevant pedagogy in STEM, Math, and English Language Arts. Her previous role at Johns Hopkins University included pioneering a groundbreaking teacher preparation program in Social Justice in STEM within the School of Education. Marla's commitment to fostering inclusive environments and her impact on education and aquatics resonate globally.