National Week of Making – Why Pittsburgh could be called the City of Makers?
A Reflection on the Maker Education Round-table at the White House in Washington D.C. by Justin Aglio
Last year, President Barack Obama proclaimed National Day of Making on Wednesday, June 18th, 2014. This year, the White House expanded the effort to become a whole Week of Making from June 12 to June 18. The week-long celebration, which marked the one-year anniversary of the White House Maker Faire, brought attention to makers and innovators of all kinds who are bringing new tools to further efforts in STEM, manufacturing, and to launch new ventures.
Pittsburgh: City of Makers
On Monday, June 15th, 2015, the White House hosted a Maker Education Round-table discussion with over sixty educators, innovators, White House officials, non-profit organizations, foundations and more. Although all areas of the country were represented, Pittsburgh had the biggest presence. I was honored to participate in National Week of Making – Maker Education Round-table with several colleagues from the Pittsburgh region.
The day started with everyone meeting at the side entrance of the White House and checking in with Secret Service. As we entered the White House grounds, First Lady Michelle Obama passed us and waved as she and a large motorcade escorted her from her residence through the gates and onto the streets of Washington D.C. Once we arrived in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in the White House complex, we had the opportunity to network with other colleagues from around the country.
The official event started with a welcome and introductory remarks from the partnering organizations Maker Ed, Digital Promise and AASA. We also received opening remarks from Tom Kalil, Deputy Director, Technology and Innovation OSTP and Mario Cardona, Senior Policy Analyst Domestic Policy Council.
Next, school leaders from several school districts presented in a 3-5 minute Lightning Talk session on their commitment to the Maker Movement. Two Pittsburgh area schools were among the few selected to present. Billie Rondinelli, Superintendent of South Fayette School District, was one of the first schools to present, while closing the Lightning Talks was Elizabeth Forward School District, led by Bart Rocco, Superintendent, and Todd Keruskin, Assistant Superintendent.
After a small break (and a trip to the gift shop), we had some more Lightning Talks from supporting Partnering Organizations to the Maker Movement. Dale Dougherty, founder of MAKE magazine and creator of Maker Faire, spoke inspirationally about school reform and the need for schools to create new systems, instead of trying to shoehorn innovative approaches into the current model.
Finally, we divided up into nine small breakout groups with one facilitator and one recorder. Each group was to discuss a topic related to the Maker Movement; ours focused on how to support teachers who are embracing the movement. We concentrated on providing a supportive atmosphere where students are not afraid to try, fail, and try again alongside their teachers. We also discussed the importance of teacher training and professional development. After about an hour of discussions, each group reported out their notes.
Overall, I walked away from this experience so proud of our city and region for being involved in such a worthwhile movement. I am proud of the leadership of the city from Mayor Bill Peduto and his support, foundations including Gregg Behr from the Grable Foundation and the Sprout Fund, school leaders who attended this event like Thomas Ralston and Ken Lockette from Avonworth School District and Megan Cicconi from the AIU3, and all of the educators from our region, parents, and most of all – our students! Pittsburgh has always been called the City of Champions, and now Pittsburgh can also be known as the City of Makers!
-Justin Aglio, Director of Innovation, Montour School District
The post National Week of Making – Why Pittsburgh could be called the City of Makers? appeared first on centerforcreativity.net.