From Personal Growth to Professional Impact: How Educators Are Transforming Learning with Entrepreneurial Mindsets
Ten education professionals spanning in school and out of school, front line and administration successfully completed VentureLab’s Mindset for Educators PD Program.
The 8-week program creates an intimate community of practice where each participant applies 12 practical strategies to select and work on a personal or professional challenge. Each strategy represents one of the 12 entrepreneurial mindsets.
“Professional development is personal development. Any major shift I’ve made in my approach to teaching and learning has involved realizations about myself. That is the goal of the VentureLab Mindset for Educators Professional Development Program. We create a safe space for adults who are in positions of authority, within a classroom or an organization, to be vulnerable, to practice, share with peers, and grow. Even if they work on a professional challenge, it’s the personal growth they experience over the 8-weeks and the relationships they form within their cohort that is the real impact.”
Cohort 3 Lead Facilitator: Lindly Fernandez, VentureLab
“This is one of the first times where I was able to be very vulnerable about my weaknesses and not feel ashamed or anything, where I felt like this was a moment where I can really grow and there was no judgment and for me that was everything. So anybody that’s looking to join, I would say…if you want to grow personally and turn your weaknesses into strengths, this is the program for you.”
– Sebastian S. , Non-profit Executive Director
“When we think of professional development, we think about getting trained because it’s advantageous for somebody else,…but this was a personal application and that was the biggest impact for me.”
– Travis W., 4H Extension Educator
Cohort 4 Lead Facilitator: Scott Mann, VentureLab
“It was nice to be a learner because we often don’t get that chance…As leaders we are asked to run professional development, but when do I ever get to be that student and learn and grow myself?”
– Grant T. , District Curriculum & Resource Specialist
“This program was a great reflect, reset, and regroup – an opportunity for me to look at me and how I’ve grown over the years. What could I do better? What could I change? How can I get support? ”
– Tanya C. , High School Assistant Principal
“When folks think about entrepreneurship, they think about business. But really, it’s more about the mindsets associated with starting and seeing something through.
We all selected different challenges (in the PD program) and each mindset strategy applied to all of us in our own way.”
– Hailee M., Community Engagement + Experiences Manager
What I always love about the programs was connecting with people I don’t know and forming new relationships and bonds. And what I love about Venturelab is their focus on mindsets…so seeing different ways to apply mindsets here was really wonderful.”
– Lee M., Head of Giving & Philanthropic Programs
Cohort 5 Community Building Institute Lead Facilitator: Lindly Fernandez, VentureLab
“This PD program cares about the educator, but still has the students as the number one. So students will benefit, but this program is for YOU [the educator]. I’m excited to offer this program to my staff at CBI. – Marie E., Program Director
I was reluctant at first, but I’m really glad that I experienced this VentureLab PD program, because it not only helped me personally and professionally, but it also helped me with my schooling. I’ve put some of the information we talked about into academic papers I’ve written… I’m really grateful. – Brintee D., Site Coordinator
I know sometimes when people think about being vulnerable, they say things like, “I don’t want to do that. That’s stressful.” But I feel like this PD program was done in more of a constructive way… I think it’s good for people to do, especially if they work together, just to see what other people’s strengths are, see where people feel like their weakness is, and be able to build community and take it to the next level. – Emily M., Site Coordinator
Self-growth is really important. Venturing a roadmap with helpful tools can get you where you want to go. Because that’s what I feel like I’ve done. I feel like I’ve just been on this little roadmap, and it’s helping me get where I want to go.
Sarah S., Site Coordinator
CONCLUSION
We want to recognize the contribution of these Educators to their personal growth and their commitment to building thriving communities of practice. By implementing these strategies, they are creating environments where educators and students can thrive together.
Join the VentureLab Certified Community. Learn how the Mindsets for Educators PD Program can transform your team!
