IT SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE CLEAR WHAT YOU DO!
Catalyst Design: Helping Schools Design For Change
The Catalyst: A Journey for Change
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The air smelled of sweat and dust. They moved thoughtfully and quietly, reading what was written around the room on the walls and adding their own feelings and judgements. A low buzz of a distant machine permeated through the walls lending an eerie mood to the silence.
In the corner, one had tears in her eyes. She stood staring at what others had written about her. Hurt and confused; she seemed lost. She deliberately, and cautiously, put her pen to the large poster. "Not all cheerleaders are dumb sluts." Eyes darting to her sides, she scribbled and hurriedly moved on to another poster nearby, hoping no one saw her write. |
Blank poster boards entitled with stereotypes. Students merely had to write what came to their mind--except, most of them fit into one of these groups. They finally saw what others thought about the--the good and the bad. The air was stale, like most classrooms, but something hung heavy in the room weighing on their shoulders. I surveyed the room searching for the apathy I knew was always present. Despite the intensity of the moment, I knew some didn't care. I felt pity for them. Despite my efforts to make this class exciting and different, even eye-opening at times, there were always a few who were mentally gone before class even started. The gravity of this particular lesson usually hit most students pretty hard when it was done. It was the first step in a long range of experiences spread throughout the school year designed to teach them to empathize, but there were always a handful who remained unphased by the first lesson.
There he was. Slumped against the wall and pointing at a few words. He leaned over to a friend nearby grunting a few inaudible tones, breaking the silence of thought, and they began chuckling. Despite the impact of the exercise, it didn't phase him. It hadn't worked. I had to change something.
How can I fix this apathy? That's the question that started it all.
There he was. Slumped against the wall and pointing at a few words. He leaned over to a friend nearby grunting a few inaudible tones, breaking the silence of thought, and they began chuckling. Despite the impact of the exercise, it didn't phase him. It hadn't worked. I had to change something.
How can I fix this apathy? That's the question that started it all.
Who I Am |
Hi, I’m Matt Strock I’m a public school teacher, instructional coach, consultant, speaker, writer, life-long learner, and innovator!
In August of 2013 I was invited to be a part of an educational think tank called the Catalyst Team. Our goal was to design school programs and professional development for teachers change... we were the catalyst for change in our community. Quickly, I began consulting schools, districts, and governments on using research based best practices on effecting change. phases of implementation Rather than pursue a masters in education, I chose to pursue an MBA to hone my skills in consulting organizational behavior, and cultural change. launched the “20% Project (like Google)” in my class. This project would change my teaching forever and lead me to advocate for inquiry-based education — where students are able to learn what they are curious about in school. This book brings together my own classroom experience, research in the field, and stories from a variety teachers, leaders, and learners using 20% Time and Genius Hour. If we want our students to change the world, we must change our classrooms to foster inquiry and innovation. Over the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing people, schools, governments, and conferences. If you are interested in having me speak or consult, please know that I only take a few of these opportunities per year (as I still work full-time in a school district). Click the button below or email me at mattkstrock@gmail.com to get in touch! |
What I Do |
Educational Consulting: Specializing in school design and instructional coaching.
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