Have an idea to change your classroom? Your school? The school system?

This workbook is a practical guide to innovation aimed at supporting practicing educators and school administrators. It walks educators from idea generation through planning, problem-solving, implementation, evaluation, and growth and development.

The benefit of this workbook is that it can be seen as an antidote to the pressures felt by teachers almost universally in today's schools. It provides educators with a means to push back, to create and innovate despite the many challenges in their workplaces.

This research-based tool supports teacher professionalism and complements professional development plans. It provides seven concrete steps with accompanying blank worksheets as well as four complete diverse examples to guide readers' work. Practical organization, careful planning, and thorough evaluation are emphasized throughout. In sum, the workbook allows teachers to rediscover why they entered the profession in the first place - to make a difference.

By Leah Wasburn-Moses

Introduction
Step 1: Outlining Your Project
Step 2: Brainstorming
Step 3: Setting a Timeline
Step 4: Planning for Evaluation
Step 5: Creating a Proposal
Step 6: Planning and Implementation
Step 7: Growth and Development
Appendices
Sample Case 1: High School Reading Course
Sample Case 2: Middle School Gifted Math Intervention
Sample Case 3: Alternative School Program
Sample Case 4: Arts Enrichment