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9781071968079

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Everyone tells teachers to innovate, but Richard Cox Jr. and Brandy Howard invite them into a strengths-based, interactive journey. This book is a sandbox of provocations, stories, and reflection tools where teachers can explore, experiment, and make meaning of innovation on their own terms. It’s a space to understand yourself more deeply while learning from the practices of other educators and the structures of innovative workplaces. -- Sujata Bhatt * Santa Monica, CA * Cox and Howard’s guide bridges the gap between boardroom vision and classroom reality for transformative change. More than a book, it’s an essential resource providing tools empowering educators to cultivate innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills our future workforce demands. A must-read for anyone serious about preparing students for tomorrow’s challenges. -- Adrienne Usher * Shepherdsville, KY * This book is the key to a reimagined education that connects students to humanizing and mutually beneficial outcomes. The authors chart a clear and integrated pathway to educational ecosystems that did not previously (before this!) systematically exist. Through individualized reflective opportunities, profiles of successful educational innovators, and a plethora of classroom examples, this book empowers K–8 teachers to create accessible, future-forward innovation opportunities for all learners. -- April L. Mustian * Belmont, NC * While many recognize the urgent need to reimagine school for today’s learners, what’s often missing is the how. In Sparking Innovation in Children Through STEM Exploration, highly respected educators and leaders Richard Cox Jr. and Brandy Howard deliver exactly that—practical, inspiring, and deeply grounded guidance. This book is a must-read for educators ready to move from intention to action, creating learning ecosystems where curiosity, creativity, and authentic learning are the norm. -- Carmen Coleman * Louisville, KY * This book is a force for good. It is an inspiring and empowering platform for educators to create an ecosystem that centralizes creativity, curiosity, and collaboration among our young learners. This text humanizes innovation and reminds us that it flourishes in a community’s embrace. Transforming classrooms into innovation districts is and must be the ‘spark’ we educators use to uplift our next generation of changemakers. -- Micah Deer * Charlotte, NC * This book is an outstanding resource for educators seeking to create innovative and engaging classrooms. It is thoughtfully organized, with a clear structure that introduces the ‘why,’ provides actionable steps for implementation, and concludes with a practical action plan. -- Cheryl Robertson * Knoxville, TN * This book is a thought-provoking guide for educators looking to ignite curiosity, cultivate creativity, and lead innovation in their classrooms and beyond. With a blend of actionable strategies, compelling stories, and reflective moments, the authors inspire educators to reimagine learning in ways that are both practical and transformative. A must-read for teachers, school leaders, and anyone committed to creating engaging, future-ready learning experiences for all learners. -- Lu S. Young * Lexington, KY *

Author Information

Richard Cox, Jr. is the STEM Program Coordinator at Advocate Health, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this role, he supports STE(A)M education initiatives for the enterprise, focusing on programming and outcomes for K-8 learners through work at The Pearl Innovation District in Charlotte (www.thepearlclt.com) and Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem. With over 15 years of research and hands-on experience in transdisciplinary and integrated learning, Dr. Cox has championed STEAM education across diverse settings, from Kentucky to Chicago to North and South Carolina, engaging learners of all ages. Dr. Cox holds a Doctorate in Education and Social Change, specializing in mathematics, science, and transdisciplinary STEAM approaches. His academic career includes a pivotal role as Assistant Professor at Winthrop University, where he helped redefine teacher preparation by blending innovative methods with strategic curriculum development. This work is complemented by his experience as a classroom teacher, K-12 Instructional Coach, and STEAM Lab Coordinator, enabling him to bridge traditional teaching with imaginative approaches. Dr. Cox’s expertise is reflected in his extensive contributions to the field, including 15+ peer-reviewed publications, 30+ presentations, and numerous awards and accolades. His research focuses on imaginative learning, STEAM career pathway development, and workforce readiness, making him a thought leader in preparing learners for dynamic futures. His unique combination of practical experience, academic research, and leadership in professional development ensures that his contributions to this book are both deeply insightful and broadly impactful. Brandy Howard serves as Chief Academic Officer for Bullitt County Public Schools in Kentucky, where her visionary leadership transforms educational practices at the district level. She oversees instructional coaching, professional development, and assessment strategies while championing her district’s Graduate Profile and authentic learning initiatives. As a co-leader of the Transformational Learning Cohort and the Graduate Profile Cohort, Dr. Howard works closely with educators to integrate meaningful, real-world experiences into classroom instruction. Her influence extends beyond the district through her participation in national and statewide initiatives, such as the NAESP’s Innovative Principal Circle Cohort and the Kentucky United We Learn Innovative Assessment team. Dr. Howard also co-leads the Community Contributors of Innovative Learning Team, fostering partnerships between schools and local stakeholders to reshape accountability systems and create a comprehensive learning ecosystem. Dr. Howard’s academic background includes research on the impact of year-round education, underscoring her commitment to evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making. Her involvement with the Kentucky Department of Education Blended Learning Module Team and her induction into the KASA Kentucky Women’s Educational Leadership Cohort further demonstrate her dedication to progressive educational reform.

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