Don Wettrick is the founder of the STARTedUP Foundation, author of “Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level” and Innovation Specialist at Noblesville High School, in central Indiana. Don is known for his award-winning work as a middle school and high school teacher; educational and innovation consultant; and educational speaker. During our conversation, you’ll hear about Don’s experience inspiring teens both in and out of the classroom, and about the important work the STARTedUp foundation is doing. You won’t want to miss Don’s advice to teens about the steps they can take NOW to get started on their journey to discovering their path to a happy and fulfilled life.
About Don Wettrick
Don Wettrick is the founder of the STARTedUP Foundation, author of “Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level” and Innovation Specialist at Noblesville High School, in central Indiana. Don is known for his award-winning work as a middle school and high school teacher; educational and innovation consultant; and educational speaker.
Don came from a family of teachers and he has been an educator for 21 years. His father and sister were both teachers. His Dad gave him a piece of advice that has always stayed with him: “I don’t care if you teach for the next 20 years. Just don’t teach one year twenty times.” This led him to always take an innovative approach to teaching.
Years ago, Don watched Daniel Pink’s TED Talk, “The Puzzle of Motivation“, and it helped to influence Don to start a new class at the high school where he was teaching. Watching that TED Talk also introduced Don to thought leaders that really understand leadership and learning.
Don taught middle school for ten years and then eleven years at the high school level. Don’s mother was a stay at home mom, which, in his eyes (and mine!) made her an educator. And his Dad was a teacher. So he felt like he always had to do well in school. Don always liked learning but not necessarily for compliance. He has always been curious but didn’t always enjoy what was being taught. His mantra in his classroom has always been “Opportunities are everywhere.”
Episode Highlights
- Motivating Kids to Learn in School
- It’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know
- Fostering Creativity in Teens
- The STARTedUP Foundation
- Growing the Foundation Outside of Indiana
- Advice to Parents for Helping Teens Find Their Way
- Don’s Advice to His High School Self
Resources
Daniel Pink’s TED Talk, “The Puzzle of Motivation“
Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level by Don Wettrick
Creativity Rules by Tina Seelig
inGenius by Tina Seelig
What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20 by Tina Seelig