Profile of an Innovator: A Delphi Study to Surface Key Characteristics for Innovative Educators
Abstract: As the context of K-12 education changes, as new technologies emerge, and as we increasingly focus on student-centered learning, there is need to understand how best to catalyze and lead innovation in schools. If we can identify the key characteristics – skills, concepts, and mindsets – that innovative educators draw on, teacher educators can better assist in providing academic and professional learning experiences to grow the next generation of innovators. This study uses a Delphi process to generate a list and description of the key characteristics of educational innovators from those working every day to transform teaching and learning in K-12 classrooms, schools, and districts. Implications for teacher educators are offered to consider how best to leverage this “profile of an innovator” to lead these professional learning efforts.