Shaping Future Educators: How the Amazeum is Inspiring the Next Generation of Teachers

At the Amazeum, we’re not just inspiring the next generation of curious minds—we’re also empowering those who will guide them: our educators. This summer, we were fortunate to have two remarkable summer camp interns, Maddy Adkins and Addy Cassell, join our team. Both upcoming educators, Maddy and Addy spent the summer facilitating educational activities at our camps, and their experiences have profoundly influenced their teaching philosophies. In a recent interview, they shared insights into how their time at the Amazeum has prepared them for the classroom and shaped their vision for the future of education.

Embracing Mistakes as Part of the Learning Process

One of the most valuable lessons Addy Cassell learned during her time at the Amazeum is the importance of embracing mistakes as a crucial part of the learning process. "The things I've learned at the Amazeum, bringing those into my classroom, has really taught me that it's okay to not get things right on the first time," Addy shared. "Encouraging my students that it's okay to make mistakes will help them to grow and continue to persevere as they get older."

This philosophy of turning mistakes into learning opportunities is central to the Amazeum's approach. By fostering an environment where children feel safe to experiment and even fail, Addy is preparing to teach in a way that promotes resilience and a growth mindset—qualities that will serve her students well beyond the classroom.

Empowering Students to Explore and Discover

Maddy Adkins, who has also been deeply influenced by her Amazeum experience, emphasized the power of giving students the freedom to explore and discover on their own. “You ask them to observe and explore on their own and have those ‘aha’ moments without you telling them verbatim ‘this is a blank and it does blank’."

Maddy's approach is a shift from traditional teaching methods, where the teacher is the primary source of information. Instead, she advocates for a more student-centered approach, where learners are encouraged to take charge of their own education. This method not only enhances engagement but also helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Power of Self-Discovery in Learning

Addy also spoke about the impact of self-discovery on long-term learning. "Whenever we put tools in front of them and don’t necessarily tell them ‘this is what you have to use to get to this step and there are a lot of different ways that you can get there,’ allowing them to discover that for themselves is really beneficial," she said. "I think it sticks with them a little bit longer too when they have that self-discovery."

This insight aligns with the Amazeum’s belief in the power of hands-on, experiential learning. By giving students the tools and the freedom to explore different solutions, Addy is preparing to create a classroom environment where students can develop a deeper, more personal connection to what they learn.

From Intern to STEM Educator of the Year

Maddy’s growth as an educator was recently recognized when she received the STEM Educator of the Year award at the University of Arkansas. "As a testament to my growth, I was a STEM endorsement at the University of Arkansas, and I think that my professors are wonderful and amazing, but I think that my experiences here are what gave me the STEM Educator of the Year," Maddy shared.

This achievement highlights the significant impact that her internship at the Amazeum has had on her development as an educator. Maddy’s experience underscores the importance of practical, hands-on learning opportunities in shaping effective and innovative teachers.

Preparing for the Classroom: Beyond the Textbook

Both Maddy and Addy agreed that their Amazeum internships have been instrumental in preparing them for the realities of classroom teaching. "My Amazeum internships have served me so well in preparing for classroom management and ways to engage students that aren’t just your typical 'here’s a textbook, here’s an assignment, let's learn something,'" Maddy noted. "I think that there’s so much more to it, and the Amazeum has definitely shown me that."

Through their experiences at the Amazeum, Maddy and Addy have gained a deeper understanding of how to create dynamic, engaging learning environments that go beyond traditional teaching methods. They are now equipped to bring creativity, innovation, and a passion for learning into their future classrooms.

Reflecting on the Journey Ahead

The Amazeum is more than just a museum; it’s a place where educators grow, learn, and become better equipped to inspire the next generation. Maddy Adkins and Addy Cassell are living proof of how our programs are shaping the future of education. Their experiences at the Amazeum have not only prepared them to be innovative and effective teachers but have also reinforced the importance of fostering a love of learning in their students.

We invite you to watch the full interview with Maddy and Addy here to see firsthand how the Amazeum is influencing the next generation of educators. If you’re an aspiring teacher or a current educator looking to bring more creativity and hands-on learning into your classroom, we encourage you to explore the opportunities at the Amazeum. Together, we can inspire the next generation to dream big and think creatively.