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I recently walked some prospective parents around school. At some point, the dad turned to me and said, “Wow, I love the classes you offer, especially the ones focused on entrepreneurship.” I was glad he noticed two of our student-run businesses. In the past few years, we launched Mrs. Cofelice’s Art of Business class (VCHS Visual Communications and Design Agency) and Mrs. Hochtl’s Entrepreneurial Leadership class which established Bentley’s (VCHS café). Read the ‘why’ behind Mrs. Cofelice’s and Mrs. Hochtl’s motivation.
I have a passion for project-based, experiential learning. Art of Business acts as a creative visual communications and design agency where students learn to solve real design problems and see their ideas come to life all while they learn basics of business, marketing, and visual communications skills. My students also engage in a personal choice project where they create all the assets needed to start their own company or brand. – Mrs. Cofelice
In a changing world, students need to learn to make strong connections with others, be confident communicators, know how to seek problems and take action to solve them, all while staying grounded in strong personal values. My class is not about gaining knowledge but is about developing the skills and confidence to always be moving forward, whether in students' personal lives or through businesses they may develop. – Mrs. Hochtl
Not only is entrepreneurship alive and well at VCHS, but teacher innovation is a major part of our school’s DNA, as they challenge the status quo and explore new frontiers, new ideas, new methods. Less than two years ago, the faculty created and adopted The Portrait of a VCHS Teacher. One of the attributes describes our teachers as “lifelong learners who regularly evaluate and innovate their teaching, honing their craft by being persistently curious, creative, and adaptive.”
At last week’s faculty meeting, we spent part of our time with a quick brainstorm on how our faculty are using artificial intelligence not only for greater work efficiency but also to enhance their curriculum, instruction and assessments. Our faculty have embraced AI as a tool to improve teaching and student learning, including to differentiate (or tailor) instruction to unique student needs. Of course they’re using ChatGPT, but they’re also using other tools such as Brisk, Claude, Flint, and MagicSchool.
Entrepreneurial and Innovative, that’s the VCHS spirit!
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
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