SxSW Edu: Normalcy, Possibility, Reality
Return to in-person conferences
The return of the SxSW Conference in Austin held a particular significance this year that we all hoped would be auspicious. It was, after all, one of the first big events to be canceled in 2020. One of many and after more than two years, we just need something big to work in our favor.
Come March 7 the Austin Convention Center was abuzz with educators- K-12 teachers and administrators, higher education, nonprofit leaders and those aspiring to address the learning loss, gaps, disparities and inequities that the pandemic cast in a stark light. The windowless expo hall offered hundreds of possible initiatives, services, products and approaches for attendees’ consideration; and the myriad sessions running at any given moment included topics ranging from STEAM and performance-based education to the power of education technology and creating inclusive, equitable spaces. Equity, social justice, inclusivity, belonging, identity, trauma-informed, courageous conversations, empathy, and the opportunity to get these right as we return to in-person “normal” school were strong themes.
All the things out there
Educators of all stripes were animated by the many innovative ideas out there as they contemplated what is possible for the next school year and beyond. “We’ve been revving our engines for two years now. It’s go time,” one energetic attendee remarked. Next fall, a mere 6 months from when SxSW was held, could mark a pivotal time not only as a corrective for learning interruption and loss but also as a time to address more long-standing disparities, and a way to leverage some of the learning that teachers, schools and systems accrued in the last two years. Namely, how to use technology more effectively, how to build community in new ways, how to surface and address trauma, and how to activate families as the partners they’ve always been.
Now is the time to imagine what’s possible and go after it. Conference-goers had federal funds on their minds as Miguel Cardona urged them to let the funding “touch the classrooms now” rather than wait. How could we use this historical and time-bound infusion of money to make long-lasting change in our schools? Many looked at products in the tech and “self actualization” space as both are high leverage.
These seem very different from each other and yet Classroom Champions bridges that gap. The program is designed to develop social and emotional skills in students in order to identify and pursue their dreams- their potential. Classroom Champions is driven by Olympic and Paralympic athletes who mentor classes through teaching skills explicitly, modeling those skills through storytelling and live interactions, and encouraging kids to practice the skills through a variety of activities and discussion. The year-long, evidence-based curriculum, videos and materials are all delivered through the Classroom Champions digital dashboard.
World class athletes, who see themselves in the students they mentor, are inviting students to see the success that’s possible for them and sharing the skills and mindset to pursue their dreams.
The power of people- basic and elegant
Though educators were enamored with the idea of having Olympians and Paralympians as role models for their students, it was “the real-ness” that seemed to resonate. When that world-class athlete pulls his achilles at the Olympic trials and has to drop out of the competition, and face his students. It’s that unpredictable part, the inevitable setback and what you do when that happens that kids need to learn from. When the athlete makes a video especially for his students to assure them that he is okay, disappointed- momentarily crushed perhaps, but is able to understand his emotions, to find ways to navigate them and a path forward; and draw on the support and care of his community- those kids! That’s Classroom Champions. That’s the mutual relationship, scaffolded and guided by the curriculum and digital technology. It’s a unique and elegant program- learning as a social act, with real people.
And that’s where the power of SxSW came from- the conversations, the energy that comes from dreaming together, and ultimately the pursuit of new ideas that really resonated after that final ride home from the airport.
Meet the Classroom Champions mentors, explore the program with a 30-day trial here and feel free to schedule a meeting as you plan for next year.
