Investing in Teachers to Transform Schools

At Center for Inspired Teaching, we ended 2024 with a reflection on polarization—Merriam-Webster’s word of the year—and a recommitment to combating that division and distrust with curiosity.

Curiosity has long been a cornerstone of Center for Inspired Teaching’s work, and I am pleased to share the many ways it has been a focus of ours throughout the beginning of this year:

• Our campaign to make curiosity the word of the year in 2025 kicked off in January with a weeklong Curiosity Challenge. Hundreds of participants from an array of places such as New Orleans, Ukraine, California, South Africa, and more tackled daily prompts, strengthening their curiosity muscles and stepping out of their comfort zones. In February and March, participants continued to receive weekly resources, including digital guidebooks and exclusive interviews, for diving deeper into big questions.
• Our professional development programming, both in person and online, provided strategies and tools for “cultivating curiosity.” Teachers from around the world joined us virtually for monthly Inspired Teaching Institutes, arts educators in Washington, DC began a series of professional learning workshops in partnership with the DC Collaborative, and our ongoing relationship with Rappahannock County Public Schools expanded to include parents in the community.
• Teaching with Improvisation Fellows across the District showcased the curiosity in their classrooms. From helping to lead school-wide professional development sessions to inviting us for observations of daily activities, Fellows continue to bring the Inspired Teaching Approach to their colleagues and students.
• Hooray For Monday supported teachers and school leaders in cultivating engaging and relevant classrooms every week. Even, and especially, when feeling enthusiastic about Monday mornings is difficult, Hooray For Monday offers insights and strategies for reframing tough moments as rich opportunities for learning.
• Hundreds of high school students in Washington, DC tapped into their curiosity at Speak Truth sessions around the District. From weekly meetings at MLK Library to in-class conversations at partner schools, students were given space to explore new ideas, connect with peers, and strengthen their critical thinking.

Only three months into 2025, this year is shaping up to be one that tests our resilience. Whatever obstacles lie ahead, at Inspired Teaching, we will continue to challenge ourselves—and you—to be curious.

Links:

• Join Inspired Teaching's Curiosity Challenge Today!