EDEXCHANGE FALL 2025 APPLICATION

What is EdExchange?

EdExchange is a Thinkery professional development program that seeks to empower elementary educators to integrate innovative practices in making and technology into their classrooms. This fall, we invite YOU to join us and explore STEAM-based concepts and activities!

All EdExchange participants will receive:

Up to 12 CPE-credited hours of professional development over the course of 6 weeks during Fall 2025.

Opportunity for Thinkery classroom collaborations in Spring 2026. These collaborations involve:

Student projects co-planned alongside a Thinkery staff member (materials & tech provided by Thinkery)

In-class support for your teaching & your students' learning

One-on-one planning sessions with Thinkery staff member

A $250 stipend to sustain STEAM teaching & learning beyond the last day of your EdExchange experience

Invitations to EdExchange showcases, meetups, & networking events

Thanks to generous funding from our sponsors, this program is offered at no cost to participants. However, space is limited and applying does not guarantee your registration.

Should I apply to EdExchange?

Preference will be given to applicants who:

Instruct elementary-age students in classrooms, libraries or any other school setting.
Demonstrate a desire to advance your experience teaching STEAM concepts, leading maker activities, and incorporating technology into your lessons.
Express an interest in supporting student learning through project-based learning and hands-on activities.
Are employed at a campus or educational non-profit in the Austin Area

Not sure if you qualify? Apply! We'd love to meet you.

Fall Workshop Information:
Applicants must be able to attend professional development workshops at Thinkery. All workshops will be on Wednesday afternoons from 5pm-7pm. Dinner will be provided

Oct 1st - Kickoff and Introductions
Oct 8th - Blocks, Bots & Beyond
Oct 15th - Storytelling through STEAM
Oct 29th - Current Connections
Nov 5th - Novel Engineering
Nov 12th - Maker Minds and Ideas

Spring Class Visit Information:

For 8 weeks (January-March) Thinkery staff will co-plan and co-implement a STEAM-focused, hands-on project with you and your students.

May 2026 - Educator Showcase. An opportunity to regroup, share, and celebrate a year's worth of work while networking with other teachers and Thinkery programs.

EdExchange Educator Information

First Name*

Last Name*

Pronouns*

Email address*

Phone Number*

What best describes your role working with students?*

Classroom Teacher
Classroom Aide
Librarian
Other

If other, please specify

How did you hear about the program? (Check all that apply.)*

Thinkery Website
Flyer
Thinkery Social Media
Previously Applied
District Email
Word of Mouth
Alumni (please select if you have previously participated in the program)

Classroom & Program Information

Campus Name*

School District*

Street Address:

City, State:

Zip Code

Is your campus Title 1?*

Yes
No
Unsure

Student Information

Total number of students that you will implement EdExchange with (Estimate if unsure)

If other, please specify

Alumni Applicant Questions

Are you an alumnus of the EdExchange Program? This means that you have completed PD workshops with us in the past.*

Yes, I've participated in EdExchange before
No, this would be my first time participating in EdExchange. (If you answer no, skip to the next section)

We'd love to hear about your past experience with EdExchange, and what you hope to gain in the future! We appreciate your thoughtful responses — these are the questions that get us excited about learning & creating with you and your students!

Please list and briefly describe the top 2–3 goals that you, as an educator, hope to achieve by participating in EdExchange during the 2025–26 school year. (3–5 sentences)

Describe how your past participation in EdExchange has made a difference in your curriculum,or the things that you teach. (3–5 sentences)

New Applicant Questions

Please list and briefly describe the top 2–3 goals that you, as an educator, hope to achieve by participating in EdExchange during the 2025–26 school year. (3–5 sentences)

How do you think your students will benefit from participating in the EdExchange program? (3–5 sentences)

Grant Components: Evaluation, Demographics, Photo Releases

Selected participants will be asked to provide student demographic information and collect student surveys at the end of the program. We will also request permission to get photographs or videos of student at work during the program.

Are you able to assist with collecting releases and providing demographics?*

Tell us about yourself! What is something that you enjoy and get super excited to share with students? (3–5 sentences)*