jacob adams’ Post

At STEM to the Future, we're flipping the script on student feedback. Our big goal this year? Truly integrating student input into our teaching practices. We're moving beyond just collecting data to collaboratively enhancing our curriculum with our students. Instead of fixating on hard-to-control outcome metrics, we're focusing on what we can directly influence: how we learn from, discuss with, and adapt to our students' needs. Take trust-building, for example. Rather than aiming for a specific trust percentage, we're diving deep into understanding what builds trust and how to weave it into our daily interactions. Through regular reflections and iterative strategies, our instructors are constantly evolving their methods based on what makes students feel respected and valued. This shift from fixed outcomes to dynamic learning processes reflects our commitment to responsive, adaptable education that prioritizes student voices. The result? A truly collaborative learning space where everyone grows together. hashtag #PlantingtheSeed #HumanLearningSystems #Education #StudentVoice

"Curiosity killed the cat"? Let's flip that old saying on its head. At STEM to the Future, we're all about challenging assumptions - starting with the idea that curiosity is dangerous. Been diving into Rita McGrath's "Seeing Around Corners," (thanks Cleon Rice, MBA for sharing) and it's crystal clear: curious leaders are the ones seeing opportunities others miss. Think about it: Curious leaders ask the questions no one else is asking They listen more and assume less They create space for wild ideas to take root They show their team it's cool to not have all the answers In a world moving at lightspeed, the most valuable skill might just be saying, "I don't know... yet. Let's find out." So, fellow leaders, what assumptions are you challenging today? How are you keeping your curiosity alive? Let's lead with questions. Stay curious. #CuriousLeadership #InnovativeMindset #ChallengeAssumptions #STEMLeadership #PlantingtheSeed

As we kick off our first week of our programs this year, I was reflecting on my own educational journey. I'm thrown back to 4th grade, finally off the waitlist and into a magnet school. 8 year old me didn't fully grasp it, but something inside knew this was big. That one change? It shifted my whole life trajectory. Now, as our students gear up for their first day, I can't help but wonder: Do they feel that same spark when they step into our classrooms? STEM to the Future's approach is different. Intentional. Designed to unlock potential in ways these kids might not even see coming. It's wild to think how one educational experience can reshape a future. Makes me even more fired up about the work we do. To all the educators out there: We're not just teaching. We're opening doors to entirely new worlds. What was your game-changing moment in school? And how are you creating those moments for the next generation? #PlantingtheSeed #EducationInnovation #YouthEmpowerment #FirstDayOfSchool #ChangingLives

Have you ever thought about the difference between "non-profit" and "not-for-profit"? Turns out, it's more than just semantics - it's a game-changer for how we approach social impact. "Non-profit" makes it sound like there's no profit at all, right? Even I thought this when I entered the industry seven years ago. I thought you had to spend all of your money by the end of the fiscal year. Luckily, someone corrected me before I really got started. This mindset often leads to underpaid staff, bare-bones programs, and burnout. Not exactly a recipe for sustainable change! But here's the kicker, "Not-for-profit" means profit isn't the main goal, but it's still part of the equation. It's about putting people first while still running a solid operation. Think about it - in areas like healthcare, housing, and education, shouldn't the focus be on impact rather than profit margins? When we prioritize the people we serve, we make better decisions all around. Let's shift our thinking and empower our orgs to create lasting change. After all, you can't pour from an empty cup - or an empty bank account! What are your thoughts? How can we build stronger, more sustainable not-for-profits? #PlantingtheSeed #NotForProfit #SocialImpact #SustainableChange #NonprofitLeadership

🚀 Join Our Team at STEM to the Future! 🚀 We're using STEAM to help Black and brown youth be the architects of their futures. By providing them STEAM tools, they can redesign a future that is more just, more green, more inclusive for everyone! If you're ready to make a real impact in the lives of young learners and transform our society, this opportunity is for you. Not to mention, the teaching load only consists of one full day and two half days. Teaching should be sustainable, so we're practicing that oursevles. 🔍 We're hiring an Instructional Developer to join our amazing team. Apply now and be part of something extraordinary! https://lnkd.in/gdZ7H9sU #STEM #Education #Careers #Hiring #JobOpportunity

During my teaching days in Brooklyn, our school was adept at leveraging academic data to enhance instruction and meet performance benchmarks. However, we often missed capturing direct feedback from students and their families—a key component for true educational success. The potential of real-time data application was clear when we adapted math lessons on the fly, based on morning assessments to meet students' needs by the afternoon. Inspired by this, I wondered: What if we applied this responsive approach more holistically ? Imagine a school experimenting to find the most effective communication methods with families. At the start of the year, the school engages in a comprehensive feedback initiative—distributing surveys, conducting one-on-one interviews, and making home visits to understand preferred communication methods, ranging from digital platforms to traditional printed materials. The feedback reveals a diverse set of preferences: while many families opt for the immediacy of digital communication, others depend on printed materials for detailed updates. Responding to these insights, the school develops a hybrid communication strategy. Digital messages keep families updated with timely news, while monthly printed newsletters provide deeper insights into school happenings. This approach not only keeps all families well-informed but also demonstrates the power of adaptive, responsive educational practices. By actively listening to and incorporating the voices of our students and their families, we can create schools that are not only more engaging but also deeply connected to the communities they serve. #PlantingtheSeed #EducationalInnovation #CommunityEngagement #AdaptiveEducation #RealTimeFeedback

Don't forget to vote for our session at #SXSWEDU.  The session will build community across those seeking to integrate culture, society, and freedom into K12 STEM learning, making the field, workforce, and resulting products more inclusive, equitable, and just. It's not enough to diversify the STEM workforce. If our people are to make it into STEM, we have to ensure the things we build, study, and work on will benefit our communities.

In many organizations, the rapid-fire culture of instant responses on platforms like Slack or G-chat has become a barometer for productivity. However, at STEM to the Future (STTF), we're challenging this norm and redefining what true productivity looks like. We've observed that the pressure to immediately respond to every message can disrupt focus and reduce deep work, where the most significant insights and innovations often occur. To address this, we've implemented a new communication protocol within our team. Chat platforms are no longer for collaboration but for sharing updates or requesting information. We've set clear expectations that team members have up to two hours, or even the entire day, to respond based on the urgency and nature of the channel. This shift aims to cultivate a culture where employees can maintain their focus without the constant interruption of needing to immediately react to every ping. The goal is to prioritize quality and thoughtfulness over speed, fostering an environment where deep, focused work becomes the standard rather than the exception. By setting these boundaries, we hope to not only enhance our team's efficiency but also their well-being, proving that less really can be more when it comes to meaningful productivity. How does your organization handle communication overload? What strategies have you found effective in maintaining productivity without sacrificing well-being? #WorkplaceCulture #Productivity #TeamCommunication #Leadership #PlantingtheSeed

If you've been to #SXSWEdu recently, you know a vast majority of the sessions are uninteresting and rarely go deeper than surface level. Well Nick Okafor from trubel&co, Shayla Cornick from Digital Promise, and I are hoping to change that. But, in order to do so, we need your help. Please vote for our session, “Integrating Culture, Society, and Liberation into K-12 STEM Learning.” If selected, this session aims to build community across those seeking to integrate culture, society, and liberation into K12 STEM learning. Our conversation will center around making #STEMeducation more inclusive and just, featuring liberatory models, youth civics, and innovative partnerships. https://lnkd.in/gKevgNGN

Recently, I had a thought-provoking conversation with Brooke Richie-Babbage about the future of STEM to the Future. I shared how I have a clear vision of the impact I want our organization to have, the structural changes needed to achieve it, and the realization that the path we’re forging doesn’t yet exist. There’s something thrilling about navigating into uncharted territory. The unknown isn't just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to innovate, to learn, and to possibly redefine how nonprofits operate and create impact with our communities. We are on a journey to a place we’ve never been, with a map we’re drawing in real-time. This journey is filled with uncertainties, but the excitement of creating new methods and strategies outweighs the fear of the unknown. Every step into unfamiliar terrain is a step towards realizing the vision. To my colleagues in the field, what excites you about the paths you are currently forging? #Leadership #Innovation #NonprofitLeadership #JourneyOfChange #PlantingtheSeed