Paid Teacher Learning and Exploration—Educator ‘Maker in Residence’ at Madjax

This past summer, a group of teachers took part in an Educator Field Trip to Mursix Corporation. Photo by Kyra Zylstra.This past summer, a group of teachers took part in an Educator Field Trip to Mursix Corporation. Photo by Kyra Zylstra.

By Madeleine Mills-Craig—

MUNCIE, Ind. – Calling all teachers and educators! Is there a topic you are excited to explore to bring new insights and real-life application to your classroom? Have your students ever asked, “Why do I need to know this” or “When will I ever use this”?  We have the perfect opportunity for you to lead your own educational project the way you want to. Bring your interests and build collaborations with other educators, gain access to new tools and equipment and get the support you need to help students think like a maker!

“We are excited to launch this brand new initiative to support educators and strengthen connections to the workforce,” said Kyra Zylstra, director of Future of Work at Madjax.

The Educator Maker in Residence program is a pilot program that is focused on creating a “learning community” of educators, students, and workforce partners. Our goal is to stretch past typical education and promote essential workforce skills such as leadership, project-based learning, growth mindset, and more.

The program will start in March with residents meeting twice monthly for a couple of hours during the evening for training and planning. Planning sessions will be focused on developing your own personal summer project with help from workforce partners and student apprentices. To learn more about the program, visit https://sustainablemuncie.org/educator/.

In addition to a free membership to the Madjax Design Lab, you will also receive a $2,500 stipend and access to a variety of equipment, technology, tools, and industry connections. Applications will close on Jan. 31, 2022.

“This program was designed by teachers for teachers to help integrate the skills needed for a future workforce in meaningful and relevant ways,” Zylstra said. “We are excited to provide educators with a learning playground, a learning community, a maker mindset focus, and a greater connection to the local workforce to energize their professional journey and strengthen their classroom instruction.”

To register for the Educator Maker in Residence, visit our website and apply now at https://sustainablemuncie.org/educator/.

About the Future of Work Initiative

The Future of Work initiative is a network of citizens, businesses, non-profits, and educational organizations working together to co-create solutions to 21st century needs. As a project of Sustainable Muncie, the Future of Work is committed to expanding curiosity, connection, and purpose in the lives of local citizens. Do you care about Muncie and want to make your voice heard? Learn more on how to get involved at http://sustainablemuncie.org/FOW/

About MadJax
Madjax is a makerspace located in DWNTWN Muncie. Its mission is to foster a collaborative environment where people can explore and create at the intersection of science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and culture (STEAM). Learn more about Madjax at https://madjax.org/