George Couros is an educator who works as an “Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Consultant” and who formerly worked as the division principal of innovative teaching and learning for Parkland School Division (both of which sound like the coolest jobs ever) in Stony Plain, Canada. We were recently introduced to Couros’ work after Mr. Heidt sent us an email with a link to Couros’ 4 Non-Negotiables for Schools.
George Couros’ thoughts on what qualities are “non-negotiable” for all schools seemed to align closely with our own thoughts on what should be essential aspects of schools.
George Couros’ 4 Non-Negotiables for Schools
- Schools are a welcoming and warm environment.
- They develop students as good people and learners.
- They model the learning they expect from their students.
- They stoke curiosity, not extinguish it.
Couros is also the author of a book called The Innovator’s Mindset in which he defines and discusses what the Innovator’s Mindset is (embracing change and believing in it as “…an opportunity to do something amazing…”) and how educators and people can use the Innovator’s Mindset to have a more fulfilling learning experience and develop their intelligence and talents to make, create, and problem solve.
As an innovator, designer, and educator, George Couros inspires us to write more about our own thoughts on education and to better document this messy and exciting journey of learning, as well as to not fear exploration and occasionally running into failure because this is where growth, and eventually innovation, can occur.
Curiosity in Education 