STARTedUP kicks off the 2024 cohort of the Indiana Innovation Educator Fellowship
20 September 2024 - Indianapolis - In an age defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting educational paradigms, the role of educators has never been more critical. The 2023-2024 STARTedUP Foundation Indiana Innovation Educator Fellows program represents a beacon of hope for the education sector, offering a unique opportunity for 35 educators across Indiana to embrace innovation, adapt to changing circumstances, and empower the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in a complex world.
Founded on the belief that innovation is the cornerstone of progress, the STARTedUP Foundation has been at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurial thinking and innovation among students. With a mission to bridge the gap between education and the ever-evolving demands of the modern world, STARTedUP has been supporting educators in their journey to become catalysts of innovation in the classroom.
The Indiana Innovation Educator Fellows program is a prestigious initiative that annually selects a group of educators from across the state to embark on a year-long journey of professional development, collaboration, and innovation. The program equips these educators with the tools, knowledge, and mindset necessary to inspire creativity and critical thinking in their students.
Key Components of the Fellowship:
Collaboration: Fellows are connected to likeminded individuals from across the state who are working diligently to influence high school students by instilling a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship
Professional Development: The program offers workshops, and connections to seminars and conferences tailored to the evolving needs of educators. Topics range from the latest ed-tech trends to strategies for fostering creativity and resilience in the classroom.
Community Engagement: Fellows actively engage with their local communities to inspire young minds and connect education to the real world. They are connected to local ecosystem leaders, business moguls, and government officials as they inspire innovation in their community.
Certification: These teachers have been selected among thousands to be part of this exclusive program and become a level 1 / 2 / 3 STARTedUP Nationally Certified Innovation Teacher.
The STARTedUP Foundation Indiana Innovation Educator Fellows program has already begun to make a profound impact on education in the state. Educators who have completed the fellowship report increased student engagement, better problem-solving skills, and enhanced adaptability among their students. Students exposed to these innovative teaching methods are better prepared for the challenges of the 21st century, equipped with the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and innovate in an ever-changing world.
Moreover, the ripple effect of this program extends beyond the classroom. By nurturing innovation in education, the STARTedUP Foundation is sowing the seeds of a brighter future for Indiana. These educators are not just teaching their students; they are instilling in them the mindset and skills necessary to drive economic growth, create meaningful change, and adapt to the unforeseen challenges of tomorrow.
The 2023-2024 STARTedUP Foundation Indiana Innovation Educator Fellows program represents a beacon of hope for education in the state and beyond. By empowering educators with the tools and mindset needed to foster innovation in the classroom, the program is creating a ripple effect that will resonate for generations. As these educators inspire their students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to an ever-changing world, they are not just shaping the future; they are building it. The impact of this fellowship goes far beyond the classroom, ushering in a new era of education that is truly fit for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Meet our 2023-2024 Indiana Innovation Educator Fellows
Level 3 Fellows
These members are multi-year fellows who have gone above and beyond to support students in their classroom and make meaningful connections throughout the community. They are leaders in the fellowship and support other teachers in their region.
SARAH ACKERMAN: Speedway High School Technology and Innovation Teacher
Sarah has been a teacher for over twelve years now. She graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2001 with a Bachelors degree in Marketing. After graduating college, Ackerman began a multiple year adventure in marketing and outside sales in the telecommunication industry. While she thoroughly enjoyed my business career, what she loved the most was teaching my customers. After a few years of continued pulling towards a teaching career, Ackerman enrolled and completed the Master of Art in Teaching program at the University of Indianapolis. Since becoming a teacher, she has been actively involved in Speedway’s entrepreneurial program, and has partnered with Innovate WithIN to continue helping students reach their full potential. Ackerman was awarded the STARTedUP Innovation Teacher of the Year in 2021, was nominated for TechPoint’s Educator Impact Mira award in 2023, and had the opportunity to travel to Italy in 2022 and 2023 with other educators and the STARTedUP team in order to foster international educational partnerships.
"Entrepreneurship and innovation allows students to look at problems as opportunities, take risks, learn from failures, and continually move forward. It teaches them to value themselves, their thoughts, and their ideas.”
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ASHLEY JOHNSON: DeKalb High School CTE Teacher
Ashley Johnson is a Career and Technical Education teacher with over a decade of experience at the high school level. After five years of working in the radio industry, Ashley was offered a job teaching high school business and hasn't turned back since. In, 2013, Ashley earned her MBA from Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, IN. Ashley teaches at DeKalb High School in Waterloo and also runs her own curriculum development business. She is a wife and mother of two, Austyn and Grant.
“When it comes to education, most students have been placed in a box where they are given a routine; receive assignment, complete it without flaws, turn it in for an A. Failures and mistakes don't fit into this equation, but hey are apart of innovation and life. I want to change the mindset of the student, so they understand they can learn just as much or more from a mistake as they can from perfection. Take the chance, even if you are unsure of the results, and see what you are capable of.”
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KRISSY LAFLECH: Munster High School Business Teacher
Krissy LaFlech is a former Starbucks District Manager who embarked on a transformative journey five years ago to pursue her true passion: teaching entrepreneurship. After spending years in the corporate world, she recognized a significant gap in the preparedness of high school graduates for the real world. It was then that she decided to transition into the realm of education. In 2023, LaFlech was awarded STARTedUP’s Innovation Teacher of the Year at the Innovate WithIN State Finals.
“My classroom isn't just a place of learning; it's a space for innovation, creativity, and hands-on experience. I inspire my students to dream big, take calculated risks, and embrace the entrepreneurial mindset. Together, we explore the exciting world of startups, business development, and problem-solving, preparing the next generation of business leaders.”
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JOHN MOORE: Westfield High School Entrepreneurship and Innovation Teacher
John is a 4th year entrepreneurship and innovation teacher at Westfield High School. John and his wife own and operated a couple of small businesses. John is the President of the Board of Directors for Westfield Youth Sports, Inc.
“The mindset of an entrepreneur is important in all aspects of your. Looking at problems as opportunity, learning how to persevere through tough times, and the self-awareness to make changes when needed are all skills that will take students far in life. Entrepreneurship drives our economy. These students will be the game changers and different makers that shape our world. How awesome is it to be a small part of their journey?”
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JOSÉ MOTA: Signature School History Teacher
Jose Manuel Mota teaches A.P. Modern World History and A.P. Government. He loves taking advantage of all opportunities his job has presented and works to instill that pursuit and attitude to all of my students. In his personal life, Mota loves taking care of animals and has been around different types of pets his whole life. His friends would say that he has a bit of a randomness that is quirky and fun. Lastly, in his spare time, he restores 90s Japanese cars.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship are important to self-discovery education. They give authentic experiences to students to better understand the world around them, both in and out of the classroom. This type of education also teaches students about their own character, drive, and passions which helps them better pursuit their own goals. Plus, it gives something tangible to measure their education, a product that they can show to the community to display their growth and knowledge.”
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DANIEL SCHULTZ: Hobart High School Business and Engineering Teacher
Daniel is an Engineer and Entrepreneur turned Teacher. He is a dynamic and motivated professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success. Schultz, a Graduate of Purdue University, is an Indiana native. He resides in Hobart.
“My biggest why is keeping creativeness and the belief that you can write your own destiny alive. Learn by doing, fail fast and fail often, get comfortable being uncomfortable, follow your passions, discover, create, and lead. In my class, we learn how to learn and aggressively pursue our passions. Opportunities are not given, they are created by staying ready, and we stay ready by continually moving forward. The focus for our student owners is to be genuine. No facades, no lies, but transparency in your thoughts, intentions, and relationships. Those on the sidelines will always believe your talents are God-given or you are somewhat privileged. We fall in love with the journey at Hobart. In this way, the fear of failure is stripped away, and the only thing that remains is learning.”
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BRETT TAYLOR: Terre Haute North Vigo High School Business Teacher
Brett Taylor is a highly motivated teacher attempting to make a difference and positively impact the world. He specializes in improving business practices through technology, and creating impact through positive communication, innovation, and servant leadership to improve the lives of others. He serves the United Way of the Wabash Valley, the Vigo County College Success Coalition, Camp Navigate, the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, The STARTed Up Foundation, and Terre Haute North Vigo High School. Brett's greatest joy is spending time with his family, his wife Amber and his two children, Max and Lily.
“Being born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana I have heard a million reasons why Terre Haute is somewhere that people can't wait to move away from. I hear every day that grasses are greener somewhere else. I believe in where I live and I believe that our young people have the power to make the world a better place through thinking critically, innovating, and solving problems. Before teaching, I worked with individuals who struggled with getting their lives on-track and how much an impact someone could have made in their lives at a much younger age. I believe in education and I have great reverence for the teachers who have helped me along the way just by believing in me, pushing me, and challenging me to pursue more. I thought of my own two children and the hope I have that someone will care enough to challenge them as much as I do. I believe in education and a new way to help our students learn through education is the driving force behind why I teach entrepreneurship and why I participate in Innovate WithIN and the STARTed UP Teacher Fellowship.”
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Level 2 Fellows
These members are multi-year fellows who have a proven track record of instilling a mindset of innovation in their classrooms and throughout their school. They empower those around them to experience entrepreneurship and are valuable assets to their communities.
NOAMI EDWARDS: Cripsus Attucks Medical Magnet High School Biomedical Science Teacher
Who said you can't change your mind and start a new career in your mid 30's? Everyone told Edwards she was crazy when she did it, turns out she may have been a little crazy but it was also the exact thing she needed to do. After spending over two decades in medical field, Edwards left the one thing she always knew and turned a new leaf and started teaching. She now feels like she is where she was always meant to be: teaching students and giving them a future that they never thought they could have on their own.
“Students at my school don't think that they can have a future, so I want to provide them with EVERY chance I can to show them that they can do ANYTHING, all they need is the PASSION to pursue it.”
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CRAIG HARPER: Carmel High School Science Teacher
Harper teaches Biomedical Innovations (the capstone course of the Project Lead the Way biomedical science sequence) to seniors at Carmel High School.
“I want to give my students the opportunity to develop problem solving mindsets and make the class more than ‘just a class for a grade.’”
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KEVIN KRIZAN: Mt. Vernon High School Economics and Marketing Teacher
Husband of 31 years; Father of two wonderful young men; Teacher for 31 years.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship offers incredible opportunities for all students.”
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SHELLY LEIFER: Manchester Jr./Sr. High School Business Teacher
My story is typically a little different than most education professionals. After several (and I mean several) years in the accounting and nonprofit industries, I felt pulled to do something different with my career. I became a teacher through the transition to teaching program and received my administrator license six years after that. I have been in education for 10 years now and have been so grateful everyday that I get to do this job. I have taught the following classes over the years; business law, intro to business, principles of business, business math, accounting, business management, marketing, introduction to computer science, personal financial responsibility, yearbook and have been the work-based learning coordinator. This year I have added the part-time responsibilities of assistant business manager and a couple of years ago, with the support of Innovate WithIN and our economic development group, Grow Wabash County, I was able to begin a county wide entrepreneurship club that offers networking opportunities for students from our four county high schools. My school had been very supportive as my students have implemented a school coffee shop and store where they can learn through hands on opportunities as they practice the skills they are learning about in courses. I love working with schools, community partners and students to make education better for all stakeholders.
“I encourage and empower my students to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship because it opens their eyes not only to their own capabilities but also to just how big the world is. Thinking through the processes it takes for them to pursue their passions in a meaningful way gives them confidence in themselves and compassion for those small business owners who take risks everyday. This process also teaches them amazing personal and financial skills like time and asset management, projecting and product design and development. There are just so many learning opportunities that can be woven into this kind of thinking that I do not hesitate to ask my students to participate in this event every year.”
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TAMI MAXEY: Lakeland High School CTE Teacher
Tami Maxey is the Director of Career and Technical Education at Lakeland Jr/Sr High School. She is the Entrepreneurship Educator for LaGrange County’s Entrepreneurship Academy housed at the Laker Leadership Center at Lakeland School Corporation. Additionally, Tami runs the school’s Education Professions Academy, while helping to strengthen and grow Lakeland's CTE Programming. Tami is the student advisor to Lakeland DECA and Lakeland Educators Rising, career technical student organizations.
“I've always been a dreamer, but I've never stopped there--I am am also a doer. With the way that I am wired, I have often hit opposition, and had to learn early on to change my own relationship with they way that I look at things. I love being able to instill this same value into my students. To help them find the spark within them, nurture and cultivate it into an even bigger flame than they imagined to begin with. To help them reimagine things, if need be, to help them believe in themselves and take chances because I believe in them. To build confidence and professionalism. What a blessing it is to touch the future by walking alongside our future leaders and entrepreneurs in my classroom every day. I can't imagine anything better.”
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TIA MCFARTHING: Amp Lab Facilitator
Tia (and her husband Paris) are entrepreneurs who own two local businesses- Hop River Brewing Company and Phil’s Hobby Shop. She has spent the last 15 years learning and growing as an educator, a business owner, and parent to two amazing daughters. Tia was awarded the FWCS Teacher of the Year Award in 2021 and is currently working with amazing high school students to reinvent and innovated education at Amp Lab.
"Innovation and entrepreneurship are skills that every student not only should have exposure to, but should also find a level of proficiency in order to expand their lives and experiences in the classroom and in their futures.”
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ROBIN PERRY: Seymour High School Business Teacher
Mrs. Perry began her career working in the business world in manufacturing and utilities before becoming a teacher. During her tenure of 17 years at Brownstown Central High School in Business Education, Mrs. Perry advised an award winning DECA Chapter, a gold certified school based enterprise Brewed Awakening, and coached many successful teams with the Maverick Challenge and Innovate WithIN. Mrs. Perry currently spends her days broadening students' worlds at Seymour High School with experiences in business classes, providing real world experience in the school based enterprise “Owl Concessions” and the Maverick Challenge/Innovate WithIN business plan competitions, with successful placements in work based learning and by helping students obtain Microsoft Office Specialist 2019 Certifications.
“I tell my students that EVERYTHING revolves around business and I challenge them to come up with something that does not include business in anyway. So far that challenge has been unmet. Understanding business means a better understanding of life and how the world works. Competing in Innovate WithIN will only grow you as a person and you will be proud of yourself when you are finished with Innovate WithIN.”
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LINDA SCHAFFER: New Tech Institute High School Entrepreneurial Academy Teacher
I have taught business for 28 years. I have taught every business class under the sun. Currently, I teach at New Tech Institute, which is a project-based school with approximately 260 students. At NTI, I teach the Entrepreneurial Academy. I meet with my Juniors every morning for 2 1/2 hours a day; I teach Seniors in the afternoon for 2 1/2 hours daily. Early in my teaching career, I taught at the University of Southern Indiana. At USI, I taught a variety of computer courses to adults. When I first accepted the position (Entrepreneurial Academy teacher), the students were enrolled in Marketing, Accounting, and Career Planning/Personal Finance. When I interviewed, I suggest that the students open a businesses. So, my goal began... My students began by planning, marketing, and launching a class business. During my first year, the students opened a school store. The next year's class started a cafe. Currently, my Juniors are planning their business and my Seniors launch their business. I have really enjoyed teaching the Entrepreneurial Academy. The program has brought together all the courses I have taught over the years.
“As the students are planning, marketing, and launching their business, the Entrepreneur Academy naturally encourages creativity and experimentation. The students are empowered by having the opportunity to create a business and learn long the way. This program also allows failure and learning from their mistakes.”
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JASON WALKE: Oldenburg Academy Economics, History, and Media Teacher
Jason Walke is from Batesville, Indiana and currently teaches at a neighboring private school, Oldenburg Academy. He currently teaches Economics, Student Media, AP US History and is the coordinator for a Senior Internship Program. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in secondary education. He has spent the past five years in the teaching profession. Prior to teaching, Jason was a club golf professional. He assisted in and fully managed different golf courses around the state of Indiana. He is married to his wife, Stacey and they have four children; Keegan (15), Ellie (13), Ameia (10), Jackson (6). In his free time, he enjoys sports and traveling with his family.
“By pursuing innovation within my students, I am promoting or changing their personal culture. I am helping them to understand that they can be doers, not just talkers. Instead of complaining or listening to others complain, they can think how to solve those problems. Also, through empowering them, it helps them to realize that they can follow through on their problem-solving ideas and not just think up a solution and let it sit. This empowerment creates a growth mindset that will help them to be a more positive and successful individual throughout life.”
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Level 1 Fellows
These individuals are in their first year of their fellowship. They have shown extraordinary drive and a passion for innovation in their classroom and have inspired their students to view the world through the lens of entrepreneurship.
REUBEN BENZEL: Herron High School Mathematics Teacher
Reuben Benzel has been teaching high school mathematics for the past 11 years. He has a BA in Economics from Oberlin College and a MAT from Marian University. Outside of the math classroom, Mr. Benzel runs the business club. Outside of the walls of school, Mr. Benzel is interested in trends in educational technology, serves as the board treasurer of a non-profit and spending time with his 6 year old daughter Alice.
“As an alumni of Columbus City Schools in Ohio, I experienced first hand the mentorship of excellent teachers that inspired us to demand better of our communities. Innovate WithIn captures this same spirit. By encouraging students to search for problems and find constructive solutions, the constructive dialogue that can occur can be extremely formative. And sometimes we all need a little "shark tank" energy.”
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KAITLIN BROZ: Manchester Jr./Sr. High School Business Teacher
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DEANNA CASIANO: Amp Lab STEAM Skills Teacher
Veteran STEM and Project Based Learning educator, new to exploring entrepreneurship. Learning along with my students. I experiment in the garden and the kitchen, explore nature, and get lost in books.
“I strive to support my students in gaining skills that allow them to level up their strengths so that they can build a financially stable life of meaningful purpose while forming impactful relationships that empower them to create innovative solutions to problems in their community.”
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DAWN COMBIS: Lake Central High School Business Teacher
I am a 12 year education professional with a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others. My education and work experience have helped me develop skills that allow me to prepare my students for their future success. I enjoy learning new methods of instruction and applying them to enhance efficiency within the classroom. The world of education is always changing and I can never be complacent. With this change, it has been an amazing time for me to grow, learn, gain more experience, and meet new people in my field.
“I encourage and empower my students to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship because I want my students to see the variety of opportunities available to them. Even though I am an academic learner, not everyone is, so I want to make sure that students understand they can still have future success even if they are not college bound.”
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LAURA DAILY: Columbus North High School Business Teacher
My determination and leadership have led me to be referred to as a “Boss Mare” showcasing my ability to lead and inspire others. My diverse and accomplished background includes earning an MBA degree while being a high school teacher who is shaping the minds of my students. My thirst for knowledge is evident in my dedication to education, continuous learning while staying up to date on trends and ideas. Adaptability and ambition are the testament to my journey through life.
“My entrepreneurial mindset sets me apart as I’m constantly seeking opportunities to innovate and create value. I want to inspire students to look for opportunities to make the world a better place.”
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MICHELE DAVIS: Angola High School CTE Business Teacher
This is my 11th year as an educator and I will be teaching CTE Business classes for the first time this school year. I spent over 20 years in the business world previous to teaching.
“Every student has the ability to tap into their innovation and entrepreneurship. Through my classes, I hope to empower them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to go out into the world and do great things. They can truly accomplish anything they set their minds to now and in their futures.”
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ANNE DINES: Merrillville High School CTE Business Teacher
As a 'Transition to Teaching' educator I bring a wide array of real world experience to the classroom. My experience ranges from Public Relations Executive Assistant to Certified Financial Planner. I take pride in modeling how the concepts being taught in the classroom apply in everyday life. I believe this helps students to gain a concrete understanding of the material.
“The Northwest Indiana region has a lot opportunity for growth and new business development. Our students are our future and I can't think of any better way to spur economic development than to raise up a new generation of entrepreneurial-minded individuals.”
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AUTUMN FERGUSON: Garrett High School CTE Business Teacher
I have a Graduate Degree in Accounting and Human Resource. Spent the last decade in community banking and growing a personal business on the side. Inspired by innovation and need for small businesses in our hometown, that I took a leap of faith to become a Business and Entrepreneurship teacher. I enjoy mentoring students and seeing the sparks develop in their business journeys.
“Inspired by innovation and need for small businesses in our hometown. I took a leap of faith to become a Business and Entrepreneurship teacher.”
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GINGER GEISSLER: Amp Lab Project Coach
I'm excited to be a part starting the Amp Lab @ Electric Works Fort Wayne program. My role titles are coach and dual English teacher. I taught at New Tec Academy previously and worked as a school coach for the New Tech Network. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in retail (management & a buyer) and in human resources. Encouraging students and staff to take risks, advocate for themselves, connect, collaborate, reflect, discover, and to be responsible is fueled by my love and passion for my students & staff.
“Students gain confidence, independence, and understandings that transcend beyond curriculum based standards that are often not relevant. Amp Lab students are immersed into challenges that foster growth in durable and hard skills while connecting with community partners which offers a multitude of opportunities. Empowering and coaching my students through the design process creates a safe place to understand the complexities of entrepreneurship, and allows them to practice, implement, plan, engage, design, produce, & reiterate their product, prototype, service, plan and/or self.”
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JASEN GIBBENS: Terre Haute Vigo North High School Civil Engineering and Architecture Teacher
Hello my name is Jasen Gibbens. I am a local boy born and raised in Brazil, Indiana but I have traveled the world while in the US Army and also taught all around the State of Indiana. My wife and I have six children and six grandchildren who we enjoy spending time with. I have come home to finish out my teaching career at Terre North Vigo High School. I believe that public education is one of the greatest resources and assets that Indiana has. I choose to be a teacher everyday because I want to be a change agent for making the education system better.
“When I was young, most families owned a business but now most parents work for businesses. We need to get back to family owned businesses to see our communities thrive. I want my Engineering students to think like entrepreneurs and use an innovation mind set. High expectations of students, staff and administration along with a partnership with parents creates outstanding students. This should be the rule, not the exception. As an educator, I feel that the parents are the primary educators, while the public schools should follow along as the secondary educator. The role of the public schools should be to challenge the students with specific goals and ideas to lead them into adulthood in a chosen career path whether that be as an owner or a worker for the owner. I know my job as an educator is to teach students how to think, not what to think. As a teacher I lead my students into adulthood in their chosen career path by engaging them in real world problems. I help the community ecosystem by asking partners and stakeholders to give the students real problems in the community to solve. My students have excelled in this endeavor with their "out of the box" ideas.”
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CHELSEA HAYES: Westfield High School Biomedical Science Teacher
I am the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program Director at Westfield High School. I'm certified to teach all 4 PLTW Biomed courses, am a Master Teacher for all 4 courses, and am passionate about teaching rigorous science content and equipping my students with hands-on, real-world experiences to build their future careers - whether that be in medicine or beyond. I am also passionate about career education and encouraging students to explore all opportunities for their future career development by teaching them to be innovative, inclusive, responsible critical thinkers that are ready for the real world post graduation.
“My "Why" for encouraging my students to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship includes two facets: 1) because it allows them to build incredibly valuable professional skills that will transfer to any discipline in their adult life and 2) because it is fun to solve problems to make the world a better place!”
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DEBERA HINCHY: Lowell Senior High School Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher
I am a lifelong Hoosier. A graduate of Purdue University Northwest (BS) and the University of Notre Dame (MBA), I have a passion for teaching and learning. I’m honored to have received both the Outstanding Senior and later the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Award from Purdue Northwest (PNW).
“Helping students unlock their potential and become their authentic selves is the best work an educator can do. Seeing them develop skills that will enable them to be successful humans, and helping them craft those skills, is a privilege. I believe that students who innovate, who are critical and creative thinkers, who are skilled problem solvers, who possess excellent communication skills, who are not afraid of failing....these are the people who will lead us forward as a community, state, and nation. They will take us forward not only as entrepreneurs and business/industry leaders, but as thought leaders, and government leaders. These young people can and will develop. They have the potential to be the change agents for the problems that require complex solutions that require time, patience, and risk. We cannot continue to keep doing things as we have during the past 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 years.”
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EDDIE KELLER: Franklin Central High School Business Teacher
Eddie Keller has worked in secondary teaching for 17 years teaching subjects ranging from management and finance to government and world civilization. Eddie left teaching for 4 years to pursue a business in real estate. He closed over 100 homes and is the managing broker/owner of All In Real Estate. In 2019, he returned to teaching to seek a more balanced life in helping to raise his three kids. In returning to the classroom, Eddie has found a passion and purpose that wasn't quite fulfilled in the real estate world.
“I believe the world, and particularly the United States, is full of opportunities. If individuals choose to focus on finding those opportunities, they and their communities will benefit tremendously. I believe the best mindset to finding those opportunities is one focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. I strive to instill in my students habits of thinking from those perspectives.”
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AMANDA MCCOY: Amp Lab STEAM Skills Teacher
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BRIAN NIKSCH: Valparaiso High School Business Education Teacher
I am a 1997 Graduate of Valparaiso High School entering my 5th year teaching at VHS after a career in Management, Sales and Marketing. I have a Bachelors Degree in Park and Recreation Management and an MBA with an emphasis area of Marketing.
“Many students will have a job in the future that doesn't exist today. Allowing them to innovate and think like entrepreneurs will allow them to develop those careers and becomes successful in their futures.”
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ADAM PRICE: Bloomington High School South Business Teacher
I am an experienced educator, mentor, and entrepreneur. With a teaching career spanning 15 years, I have had the privilege of shaping young minds and nurturing their growth. When not in the classroom, I am an avid explorer, often venturing to new destinations with my wife and son. Additionally, I find joy in participating in adult league soccer, where I challenge myself both physically and mentally. As a driven individual, I strive to make a positive impact in both my professional and personal endeavors.
“As an educator in entrepreneurship and innovation, I am dedicated to inspiring and empowering my students to make positive changes in the world. By encouraging them to tackle and solve pressing issues, we can pave the way for a brighter future. Entrepreneurship has always captivated students as it ignites their creativity and problem-solving skills. Through this discipline, they learn to identify problems and develop innovative solutions. By fostering their entrepreneurial mindset, I hope to equip my students with the tools they need to become change-makers and contribute to a better society.”
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TIFFANY REDDICK: Riley High School CTE Teacher
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SONIA WALKER: McKenzie Career Center for Innovation and Technology Business Teacher
After high school, I worked at both Boeing and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Eight years ago, I flipped and started teaching high school full-time. I have a BS Degree in Information Systems/a minor in Business Management, an MBA, and a Master's in Education. I have an Administration license, I am an SEL specialist, FBLA Advisor, Board of Ivy Tech, Adjunct College Professor, and now a proud colleague at Elevation. I was researching if high school students could learn through online learning similar to the classes already at the college level. They don’t know if I can finish this dissertation.
“Successful businesses are started every day no matter the age of the person. I have students who's objective is to leave a business while they go off to college. I know that business/entrepreneurship and its concepts is something that I tell me students they will use on a continually basis as they transition to life after high school. I love the saying that says business is something you can not avoid because you will either own your own business or work in someone else. I have students who have followed me from class to class. Students expect me to push them to the next level. I love teaching innovation and entrepreneurship because it is a subject where students ideas are allowed to come to live with no right or wrong answers.”
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ANDREW WILKINS: Noblesville High School Engineering Teacher
Andy Wilkins has been a Noblesville High School (NHS) educator for 18 years, and serves as a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering teacher and chair of the NHS Applied STEM department. Passionate about growing students’ abilities to meet everyday challenges, his focus is on engaging students in experiences with innovation so they can change the world. Andy believes teachers exist to facilitate opportunities for students to meaningfully apply their skills beyond the classroom. When that final bell rings, Andy loves to go home and spend time with his wife, Vanessa, and their three children.
“Anyone can notice a problem, but I want to empower students to develop the solutions to the problems people encounter every day. Ordinary people with purposeful action are the difference-makers in our world.”
