Empower and support high school teachers as they change students’ mindsets and chase innovation.

The STARTedUP Innovation Educator Fellowship is the only educator fellowship of its kind.

Thank you to Google, our 2023-2024 STARTedUP Innovation Educator Fellowship sponsor!

Our 2023-2024 Fellows are from all across Indiana!

Check out this map or scroll down to the bottom of the page to find out more about these amazing, innovative educators.

So what is this fellowship and why is it special?

In 2022, STARTedUP and the Indiana Department of Education launched an ambassadorship program for high school teachers because we believe educators are:

  1. The catalysts for student growth and innovation and should be empowered to play a leadership role in their community

  2. Representing future generations and should be involved in civic, policy, and commercial initiatives that directly influence statewide innovation

Am I alone in influencing innovation?

Absolutely not! If selected, you would become of a member of a network of innovative educators.

The STARTedUP Foundation will provide leadership development training and support to Indiana educators with the mission of creating an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across Indiana schools.

STARTedUP works with state and local partners to help build the capacity for innovative teachers and enhance opportunities for educators and students and connect them to innovation exchanges, civic and policy events, supportive councils, and private experiences where educators are equipped to enhance the future of their communities.

Fellows are part of a support group of other educators to share best practices and connect with IEDC and ISBDC to support entrepreneurial ideas and innovation hubs across the state.

This seems interesting, but what are the benefits?

STARTedUP is all about empowering you to be successful and arms you with opportunities to make that a reality.

  1. Provided with a vetted and comprehensive curriculum focused on empowering students’ mindsets and fostering innovation

  2. Collaboration with an innovative network of other passionate educators who want to enhance student outcomes beyond academics

  3. Work closely with community, government, and corporate representatives to build an ecosystem of innovation for your students

  4. Meet and network with regional, state and nationally-recognized innovators who want to meet your students

  5. Become a STARTedUP Nationally Certified Innovation Teacher

  6. Opportunity for domestic travel

  7. Participation-based stipend

How much of a commitment is this fellowship?

The STARTedUP Innovation Educator Fellowship spans twelve months (beginning in August) and has some expectations to successfully influence your classroom and community:

  1. Participate in one in-person workshops (September) and attend eight monthly virtual meet ups

  2. Establish a personalized curriculum implementation plan (minimum of six modules)

  3. Collaborate with other Innovation Fellows in your region and STARTedUP staff

  4. Build a culture of innovation and serve as an ambassador in your school, town and state by attending at least two community and economic development events

Meet our 2023-2024 Fellows

  • Sarah Ackerman

    SPEEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL
    Technology & Innovation

  • Reuben Benzel

    HERRON HIGH SCHOOL
    Mathematics

  • Kaitlin Broz

    MANCHESTER JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL
    Business

  • Deanna Casiano

    AMP LAB (FWCS)
    STEAM Skills

  • Dawn Combis

    LAKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
    Business Education

  • Laura Daily

    COLUMBUS NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
    Business

  • Michele Davis

    ANGOLA HIGH SCHOOL
    Facilitator

  • Anne Dines

    MERRILLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
    CTE Business

  • Naomi Edwards

    CRISPUS ATTUCKS HIGH SCHOOL
    Biomedical Science

  • Autumn Ferguson

    GARRETT HIGH SCHOOL
    CTE Business

  • Ginger Geissler

    AMP LAB (FWCS)
    Project Coach

  • Jasen Gibbens

    TERRE HAUTE NORTH VIGO HIGH SCHOOL
    Civil Engineering & Architecture

  • Craig Harper

    CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL
    Science

  • Chelsea Hayes

    WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
    Biomedical Sciences

  • Debera Hinchy

    LOWELL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
    Business & Entrepreneurship

  • Ashley Johnson

    DEKALB HIGH SCHOOL
    Business

  • Eddie Keller

    FRANKLIN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
    Business

  • Kevin Krizan

    MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL
    Economics & Marketing

  • Kristin LaFlech

    MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL
    Business

  • Shelly Leifer

    MANCHESTER JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL
    Business

  • Tami Maxey

    LAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL
    Career & Technical Education

  • Amanda McCoy

    AMP LAB (FWCS)
    STEAM Skills

  • Tia McFarthing

    AMP LAB (FWCS)
    Facilitator

  • John Moore

    WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
    Entrepreneurship

  • José Mota

    SIGNATURE SCHOOL INC
    Humanities

  • Brian Niksch

    VALPARAISO HIGH SCHOOL
    Business Education

  • Robin Perry

    SEYMOUR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
    Business

  • Adam Price

    BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH
    Business

  • Tiffany Reddick

    RILEY HIGH SCHOOL
    Career & Technical Education

  • Linda Schaffer

    NEW TECH INSTITUTE HIGH SCHOOL
    Entrepreneurial Academy

  • Daniel Schultz

    HOBART HIGH SCHOOL
    Business & Engineering

  • Brett Taylor

    TERRE HAUTE NORTH VIGO HIGH SCHOOL
    Business

  • Jason Walke

    OLDENBURG ACADEMY
    Economics, History & Media

  • Sonia Walker

    MCKENZIE CENTER INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
    Business

  • Andy Wilkins

    NOBLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
    Engineering