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Teaching Lab Studio Launches the Robbins Fellowship

In an innovative step towards reshaping educational practices, Teaching Lab Studio has unveiled the Robbins Fellowship for School Innovation. Supported by the Relay Graduate School of Education, this selective two-year program empowers school teams to completely redesign how teaching and learning occurs. Designed for established school teams, the fellowship aims to create integrated models by providing the necessary infrastructure and support, including coaching, technical skills, and AI resources.

A New Paradigm for Education

The Robbins Fellowship embodies a belief that genuine innovation stems from educators who are closest to the students. Leslie Kim, Entrepreneur in Residence at Teaching Lab Studio, emphasized that the transformative changes in education necessitate a collaborative effort from educators. As schools evolve, even those with proven frameworks can thrive on dedicated time and expert guidance to innovate their teaching methodologies.

"Public education has always thrived on the courage of educators willing to envision greater possibilities," Kim stated. In a rapidly changing educational landscape influenced by technology, the fellowship aims to merge educators' expertise with innovative practices that can enrich learning experiences for students.

Structure and Support of the Fellowship

Participants in the Robbins Fellowship will engage in a comprehensive model of professional development. Each team, led by a Robbins Fellow, will designate specific grade levels as pilot sites, enabling hands-on testing and refinement of teaching practices over the course of two years. Collaborations will include coaching sessions, strategy discussions, and cohort learning experiences that emphasize collective knowledge sharing and co-design of effective teaching strategies.

Through four anticipated in-person convenings, fellows will also benefit from ongoing support in areas like engineering, product enhancement, and performance measurement, which will culminate in a documented instructional model tailored for their unique educational contexts.

Meet the Inaugural Cohort

The inaugural group of Robbins Fellows comprises twelve notable educators committed to leading their teams through this journey of educational transformation. Highlights among the fellows include:

• - Adam Feiler-Ware - Deputy Chief of Learning, Dream Charter Schools, Bronx, NY
• - Michael Scott, Jr. - Principal, Uncommon Schools, Brooklyn, NY
• - Amanda Martinez - Principal, KIPP NYC Freedom Middle School, Bronx, NY
• - Kate Baughman - Founding Principal, KIPP NYC All Middle School, Bronx, NY
• - Jessie George - Principal, Uncommon Schools, Brooklyn, NY
• - Mike Taubman - Teacher and AI Innovation Lead, North Star Academy Uncommon Schools, Newark, NJ
• - Heather Johnson - Chief Innovation Officer, Vista College Preparatory Schools, Phoenix, AZ
• - Casey Rowe - Director of Innovation, Rocketship Public Schools, San Jose, CA
• - Kyle Brillante - Principal, Highbridge Green School (NYC PS), Bronx, NY
• - Ben Schumacher - Founder, Horizon Academies, Nashville, TN
• - Michael Johnson, Jr. - Principal, Fordham High School for the Arts, Bronx, NY
• - Dayna Chisholm - Head of Academics, Longwood Academy, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Goals and Objectives

Dr. Sarah Johnson, CEO of Relay Graduate School of Education, reinforced the idea that real educational innovation must be educator-driven. She remarked, "True progress involves equipping school teams with the time and resources necessary to challenge existing norms and refine new methods amidst their students' active learning environments."

Each participating team will cultivate a comprehensive school model, which includes an instructional framework and documented practices based on the best outcomes observed within their classrooms.

Larry Robbins, an advocate for education innovation, shares a vision for effective collaboration and co-creation in educational approaches: "Education is a monumental force in the world, and we have a duty to innovate and inspire together."

With strong institutional backing, the Robbins Fellowship represents an exciting frontier for educational development, positioned to influence the broader field positively. Teaching Lab Studio will soon introduce each fellow and their teams through a series dedicated to showcasing their innovative efforts.

For further details on the fellowship, visit Teaching Lab Studio's website.