Adam Haigler Blogs for Education Reimagined on How to Teach Like a Beaver

Industriousness, often paralleled with being a disruptor, can have a significant impact. Adam Haigler, the co-founder of Open Way Learning, draws powerful parallels between beavers, known as ecosystem engineers, and educators aiming to create learner-centered ecosystems. He shares his journey, emphasizing the profound impact of experiential learning and the transformative potential of a diverse network of inspirational individuals and places. Haigler's work with the Pioneer Project exemplifies the value of engaging students with local experts, fostering enduring passions, skills, and friendships. In a PBL-focused school, community-based projects empowered students, leading to lasting change and the mastery of academic material. These experiences inspired Haigler to co-author a book on Open Way Learning, striving to establish innovative school cultures through an open source ethos. Their approach, demonstrated in Old Saybrook, CT, led to community-based summer programs, subsequently scaled across the district. The story of art teachers in New London, CT, showcases the impact of authentic experiences in deepening connections with communities. Haigler's insights encourage educators to be intentional and strategic in creating educational ecosystems, fostering a collaborative culture, identifying community resources, implementing high-quality project-based learning, and leveraging network effects. His narrative serves as an inspiration, inviting others to become ecosystem engineers, disruptors, and hubs of networks, creating endless opportunities for their learning communities. He welcomes others to share their teaching journeys using #TeachLikeABeaver on Twitter and LinkedIn, or to directly connect with him on LinkedIn.