The Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership has partnered with the One Spark Festival to create a new space for those competing for funding with projects designed to enhance learning and teaching.
Starting in 2014, The Schultz Center will curate EdSpark, a One Spark venue where those with education-related projects can exhibit their proposals.
"We came away from One Spark saying, 'how is it that we can engage in this idea festival?'," said Schultz Center President and CEO Deborah Gianoulis, speaking with Melissa Ross on First Coast Connect, on the inception of the new venture.
Individuals or teams with ideas for innovative practices to enhance student learning are being encouraged to participate using EdSpark as their venue.
Students less than 18-years-old with ideas to contribute will be required to team up with adult mentors.
"Our message to their parents and educators is, nurture your children's ideas," Gianoulis said.
In addition to hosting adult and student creators, the center will recruit student performers from throughout the region to EdSpark during the festival.
The Schultz Center itself will also serve as a staging area for all school field trips to meet up with a personal One Spark Volunteer Guide to tour the festival, scheduled for April 9-13, 2014.
"This is a national and international effort," Gianoulis said, "We expect to have global creators."
The 2014 festival is expected to attract 150,000 visitors.
You can follow Melissa Ross at @MelissainJax and Patrick Donges @patrickhdonges.
UPDATE: A previous version of this story included an exact location for the EdSpark exhibitors. EdSpark organizers say they have yet to confirm where the venue will be located.
