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S.P.A.R.K. App For Teachers

Daily SPARKS, Questions, + Prompts That Boost Emotional Intelligence & Cultural Consciousness

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Project Description

    We believe:

    • Every child deserves access to a quality education.
    • Every teacher deserves access to quality support and development.
    • We're all doing the best that we can with the tools and resources we have. 
    • We all have blindspots and biases that impact how people experience us,
    • AND stress impacts how we show up in the world.

     

    Our big goal is to decrease teacher burnout, interrupt patterns perpetuating the school to prison pipeline, and strengthen habits of self-reflection, raising awareness of the impact biases have on our everyday decisions.

     

    In order to meet our goals and address the root cause of these challenges, we believe we must talk about how unconscious bias drives our behaviors on individual, systemic, and institutional levels--AND how stress impacts our behavior. 

     

    We understand how full teachers' plates are; that’s why we created an app, which will be like a coach in their pocket, to provide a holistic system of individualized support.

    app ifw image

     

    The S.P.A.R.K. APP will partner with and empower educators, strengthen habits, and equip educators with daily tools and reminder to lead and teach for equity with intentionality.

     

    This is going to be a journey of continuous engagement, feedback, and improvement. That's why phase 1 starts with supporting teachers and schools. 

     

    The sooner we can get to phase two, the better, because that's when educators will gain access to our S.P.A.R.K. coaching curriculum learning modules that correspond with each goal, group coaching sessions, and the S.P.A.R.K. Community at large so they have responsive, relevant tools/resources that meet their individual needs and support them where they’re at.

     

    We cannot do this work alone, and we need your support.

    • When you contribute financially to this movement, you’ll impact thousands of teachers, which therefore impact thousands of students in transformative ways. 
    • When you offer to share your energy, time, and talents, (sharing this link and joining our instagram page) you're helping us expand our movement and make progress on our goals at a faster rate. 
    • When you use your voice to help our cause and spread the word, you’re helping us reach more educators and ultimately have a positive impact on more students' lives.
    • Lastly, by contributing, you’ll be a part of a movement with a purpose dedicated to supporting teachers, leaders, and communities committed to serving the next generation.

     

    Together we can spark the conversation that will make the world a better place.

     

    About the Creator, Rachel Rosen...

    With a Masters from Stanford, and extensive training in leadership, coaching, and organizational development, Rachel developed S.P.A.R.K. experiences that are grounded in theory and practice.  After teaching and studying at Stanford, Rachel had the opportunity to work with a leadership coach from the National Equity Project, an organization that had a profound impact on her leadership. Ever since then, her commitment to supporting educators and equity has been unwavering. Two years ago she created the Kickstarter-Backed product, S.P.A.R.K., which facilitates an inclusive team-building experience for diverse teams (embedded in the game is also a strategy for counteracting unconscious bias), and she has been facilitating SPARK Leadership courses and workshops and holding space for courageous leaders to gather for years. If you have specific questions for her, feel free to email her at [email protected]

     

     

    “This is a great tool for creating greater self-awareness, which is often missing in our conversations about equity. The app is non-threatening, and good starting place because it’s about teachers' emotional health and normalizes that equity work requires emotional health” Justin Mori, Middle School Principal 

     

    “I think if all teachers were using this App at my school it would be hugely beneficial for the culture of our school. Love that we’ll get a weekly recap at the end of the week celebrating our progress and reminding us of our goals. The truth is, we’re our worst self when we’re not successful. When we’re deeply unhappy somewhere in our lives, it impacts kids. That’s why we need a moment to reflect on how we’re showing up. This will change the game for teachers’ emotional health and well being” Jessica Newburn, Elementary School Principal 

     

    "So excited to use this App. It helps teachers reflect on the students who push our buttons in a safe way, AND get a picture of all the things we’re experiencing so we can be the best version of ourselves. I can also see how this could be a helpful tool for HR teams working on having more equitable hiring practices and checking blindspots there” Laura Espino, ESOL Teacher 

     

     "I’m excited to use this with my teams and teachers. It’s going to change the equity conversation in a big way." Lia Shepherd, Director of Student Services + Supports

     

     “This app will be groundbreaking for our work. It would be a way for teachers/coaches/admin to spend a few minutes every morning reflecting on their own unconscious bias and equity lens. This data could then eventually be compiled so that a whole staff could come together to work collaboratively with the data. I’m so ready to pilot it that I already told all my colleagues about it." Nova Katz, Math Training Specialist + Teacher Coach

     

    “Sometimes in schools we treat reflection as though it’s a luxury. With all the demands placed on us, we don’t have time to do important reflection--especially about how we’re showing up as equity educators. I also like that this App addresses how stress + health + wellness + sleep impact how we show up. That’s innovative, because typically in the conversation about EI stays on the surface. I’m ready to pilot the App already!” Jillian Roth, Education Facilitator & Data Researcher 

     

     "This is so needed. We as educators have to be able to hold a conversation and demonstrate self-awareness--in order to connect with our diverse colleagues--if you want to succeed as a leader. This app can really succeed in being personalized for each person’s unique situation" Nora Gardner, Spanish Literature Professor

     

    “This is going to be a powerful tool for learning about my blind-spots, addressing my biases, helping me be more aware of how I’m showing up.” Justin De Leon, Associate Partner at Education Elements 

     

    “I love that this App holds space for daily reflection and for educators too reground in their spark. It’s so necessary for us to think daily about our commitment to education, and how we are committed to education. AND how we protect time for self care in the face of struggle. It’s critical that we reflect on how we’re showing up as educators” Maureen Benson, Founder & Ed. of Education Is A Vital Sign 

     

    "Self-awareness work needs to be ongoing, and while many educators and leaders have conversations about their goals with colleagues, this is a great way to keep the self-reflection going in between those spaces." Yanira Canizales, K-8 Principal

     

    Updates

    The Campaign FAQs

    app ifw image-comm 

    Justin Mori, Middle School Principal - “This is a great tool for creating greater self-awareness, which is often missing in our conversations about equity. The app is non-threatening, and good starting place because it’s about teachers' emotional health and normalizes that equity work requires emotional health”

    Laura Espino, ESOL Teacher - "So excited to use this App. It helps teachers reflect on the students who push our buttons in a safe way, AND get a picture of all the things we’re experiencing so we can be the best version of ourselves. I can also see how this could be a helpful tool for HR teams working on having more equitable hiring practices and checking blindspots there”

    Aimee DuQuette, 7th Grade Math / Science Teacher - "Can’t wait to share this App with all my colleagues and friends!! Rachel has helped me grow and develop as a teacher in transformative ways. We all need to be reminded of our WHY everyday, and this app will do all that and more."

    Jessica Newburn, Elementary School Principal - “I think if all teachers were using this App at my school it would be hugely beneficial for the culture of our school. Love that we’ll get a weekly recap at the end of the week celebrating our progress and reminding us of our goals. The truth is, we’re our worst self when we’re not successful. When we’re deeply unhappy somewhere in our lives, it impacts kids. That’s why we need a moment to reflect on how we’re showing up. This will change the game for teachers’ emotional health and well being”

    Lia Shepherd, Middle School Dean - "I’m excited to use this with my teams and teachers. It’s going to change the equity conversation in a big way."

    Nakachi Clark-Kasimu, 3rd Grade Teacher - "I can’t think of a wellness App that feels more relevant. Teachers are expected to be super-heros. It’s very challenging and vulnerable to say "I’m not reaching all these kids or taking care of myself." We talk ALL the time about teaching the whole child. This is the first PD-tool that actually supports the whole teacher. I don’t know of anyone else who’s even talking about that." 

    Nova Katz, Math Training Specialist + Teacher Coach - “This app will be groundbreaking for our work. It would be a way for teachers/coaches/admin to spend a few minutes every morning reflecting on their own unconscious bias and equity lens. This data could then eventually be compiled so that a whole staff could come together to work collaboratively with the data. I’m so ready to pilot it that I already told all my colleagues about it.

    Jillian Roth, Education Facilitator & Data Researcher - “Sometimes in schools we treat reflection as though it’s a luxury. With all the demands placed on us, we don’t have time to do important reflection--especially about how we’re showing up as equity educators. I also like that this App addresses how stress + health + wellness + sleep impact how we show up. That’s innovative, because typically in the conversation about EI stays on the surface. I’m ready to pilot the App already!”

    Nora Gardner, Spanish Literature Professor - "This is so needed. We as educators have to be able to hold a conversation and demonstrate self-awareness--in order to connect with our diverse colleagues--if you want to succeed as a leader. This app can really succeed in being personalized for each person’s unique situation"

    Justin De Leon, Associate Partner at Education Elements - “This is going to be a powerful tool for learning about my blind-spots, addressing my biases, helping me be more aware of how I’m showing up.”

    Maureen Benson, Founder & Ed. of Education Is A Vital Sign - “I love that this App holds space for daily reflection and for educators too reground in their spark. It’s so necessary for us to think daily about our commitment to education, and how we are committed to education. AND how we protect time for self care in the face of struggle. It’s critical that we reflect on how we’re showing up as educators”

    Yanira Canizales, K-8 Principal - "Self-awareness work needs to be ongoing, and while many educators and leaders have conversations about their goals with colleagues, this is a great way to keep the self-reflection going in between those spaces."

    guest
    05/07/2019
    You are an amazing friend! (I'll tell you all the reasons why in a thank you card w/ a sticker + surprise goody too!)
    $15
    Jana
    10/29/2018
    You are an amazing friend! (I'll tell you all the reasons why in a thank you card w/ a sticker + surprise goody too!)
    $25
    08/15/2018
    Monetary Contribution With No Reward
    $25
    07/27/2018
    You are an amazing friend! (I'll tell you all the reasons why in a thank you card w/ a sticker + surprise goody too!)
    $15
    07/23/2018
    Get your very own Premium S.P.A.R.K. Card Game + Goodies
    $50
    07/20/2018
    Get your very own Premium S.P.A.R.K. Card Game + Goodies
    $50
    Lia
    07/19/2018
    Get your very own Premium S.P.A.R.K. Card Game + Goodies
    $50
    07/19/2018
    Digital Download Special + S.P.A.R.K. Deck Discount (7/17 only!!)
    $30
    07/19/2018
    Get Your S.P.A.R.K. Swag On! (Hat + Sticker + Card Deck + More!!)
    $60
    07/19/2018
    Digital Download Special + S.P.A.R.K. Deck Discount (7/17 only!!)
    $30
    Monetary Contribution With No Reward

    Just Because I Care

    5 Supporters
    Select this reward
    5.00 USD
    Virtual high-five AND a hand-written thank you letter + sticker

    Thank you for the virtual, spark-tastic HIGH-FIVE. Every dollar and every share makes a difference, and we're so grateful for your support! 

    Not ONLY will you get a hand-written gratitude note from me, but you'll also get a custom S.P.A.R.K. sticker too! 

    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    15.00 USD
    You are an amazing friend! (I'll tell you all the reasons why in a thank you card w/ a sticker + surprise goody too!)

    You are officially awesome, because true friends take the extra time to show support. Your contribution to this campaign means the world to me.

    Not ONLY will you get a hand-written gratitude love note from me, but you'll also get a custom S.P.A.R.K. sticker + a surprise goody too! 

    92 Left
    8 Supporters
    Select this reward
    30.00 USD
    Digital Download Special + S.P.A.R.K. Deck Discount (7/17 only!!)

    Are you excited to jump in and join the S.P.A.R.K. App experience? Contribute at this level + receive our digital S.P.A.R.K. download and daily SPARK email (with similar content as the app) this fall (until the App is released), to get the momentum started!

    UPDATE: TUESDAY (7/17) ONLY!! You'll also get a brand new S.P.A.R.K. Deck, a hand-written gratitude note from me + a custom S.P.A.R.K. sticker too! 

    *If you want the deck deal, make sure to include your shipping address on the next page! 

    90 Left
    10 Supporters
    Select this reward
    50.00 USD
    Get your very own Premium S.P.A.R.K. Card Game + Goodies

    S.P.A.R.K. Connections and inclusive team-building conversations with your very own S.P.A.R.K. Community Deck! You get to choose whether you want the Youth or Adult deck. :)

    Not ONLY will you get a hand-written gratitude note from me with your deck, but you'll also get a custom S.P.A.R.K. sticker + a few other surprises too! 

    86 Left
    14 Supporters
    Select this reward
    60.00 USD
    Get Your S.P.A.R.K. Swag On! (Hat + Sticker + Card Deck + More!!)

    SPARK even more connections and conversations while rocking our S.P.A.R.K. hat and show the world your commitment to equity and inclusion! 

    Not only will you get your very own Premium deck (shown in the $50 reward) but you'll also get your very own baseball hat, stickers, and more! 

    3 Supporters
    Select this reward
    75.00 USD
    SPA Day in A Tin (For Teachers): Contribute and get this relaxing gift for the summertime :) 

    It's summer break, a perfect time to relax and rejuvenate, and we are here for you! Especially because our App is all about supporting teachers on a holistic level.

     

    Not only will we ship the tin to you after the campaign but we're also going to throw in some S.P.A.R.K. swag and goodies too!  

    7 Left
    3 Supporters
    Select this reward
    100.00 USD
    2 S.P.A.R.K. Decks + Facilitators' Toolkit (digital download)

    S.P.A.R.K. meaningful connections and conversations at your next community gathering, and set yourself up for success with our facilitator toolkit! Two games will allow for our team-builder to be used with a group of 8-18 people. The toolkit includes a check-list, preparation guide, feedback form, AND quotes/coasters to facilitate a powerful experience with your community. 

    3 Supporters
    Select this reward
    250.00 USD
    Show a Teacher some love + appreciation: Donate a S.P.A.R.K. Deck Classroom set (or the App subscription) to a teacher

    Shine love and appreciation on an educator. The teacher of your choice will receive 8 S.P.A.R.K. decks + teacher toolkit. Support an educators' equity and inclusion goals by donating to a good cause!

    999 Left
    1 Supporter
    Select this reward
    350.00 USD
    1.5 Hour Strategy Session (or Team Workshop) For Equity Leadership Development

    Up-level your equity leadership and strategize with an inclusion lens with this deep-dive executive coaching session with Rachel.

    You'll walk away with awareness of your blindspots + the 5 Power C's, AND identify a priority/focus area for the next 6 weeks too. 

    Learn more about Rachel's S.P.A.R.K. Leadership approach here: http://www.rachelvrosen.com/leadership-coaching/

    999 Left
    1 Supporter
    Select this reward
    850.00 USD
    3 Hours Of Equity Leadership Coaching (or Team Workshop)

    Unpack your leadership priorities, goals, and intentions and strategize with intentionality in a deep-dive session (AND a 20 minute follow up session 8 weeks later) with Rachel and walk away with crystal clarity around your equity imperative, and awareness of the patterns you'll need to interrupt to make progress on your goals and priorities.

    Learn more about her approach here: http://www.rachelvrosen.com/leadership-coaching/

    1000 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    1,000.00 USD
    Platinum Level Sponsorship: Fund our website and digital marketing strategy + Your name will appear on our website

    Help us reach a wider audience and create a high-quality, user-friendly platform for educator engagement.

    29999 Left
    1 Supporter
    Select this reward
    5,000.00 USD
    Gold Level Sponsorship: Support Expansion in Phases 2 + 3, get a S.P.A.R.K. Deck, we'll donate 25 decks to teachers (on your behalf), + your name will appear on our website!

    Your generous donation will be game-changing for this campaign. With your support, we can meet our strategic growth goals for all three phases of development and support the expansion of Team-S.P.A.R.K so we can have maximal impact doing this important work. This level supports our Expansion in Phases 2 + 3. You'll get a S.P.A.R.K. Deck, we'll donate 25 decks to teachers (on your behalf), + your name will appear on our website as a key contributor and GOLD Sponsor!

    80000 Left
    0 Supporters
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    About the Entrepreneur

    Austin, TX
    Created 1 Campaign
    Social Good

    Rewards

    Monetary Contribution With No Reward

    Just Because I Care

    5 Supporters
    Select this reward
    5.00 USD
    Virtual high-five AND a hand-written thank you letter + sticker

    Thank you for the virtual, spark-tastic HIGH-FIVE. Every dollar and every share makes a difference, and we're so grateful for your support! 

    Not ONLY will you get a hand-written gratitude note from me, but you'll also get a custom S.P.A.R.K. sticker too! 

    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    15.00 USD
    You are an amazing friend! (I'll tell you all the reasons why in a thank you card w/ a sticker + surprise goody too!)

    You are officially awesome, because true friends take the extra time to show support. Your contribution to this campaign means the world to me.

    Not ONLY will you get a hand-written gratitude love note from me, but you'll also get a custom S.P.A.R.K. sticker + a surprise goody too! 

    92 Left
    8 Supporters
    Select this reward
    30.00 USD
    Digital Download Special + S.P.A.R.K. Deck Discount (7/17 only!!)

    Are you excited to jump in and join the S.P.A.R.K. App experience? Contribute at this level + receive our digital S.P.A.R.K. download and daily SPARK email (with similar content as the app) this fall (until the App is released), to get the momentum started!

    UPDATE: TUESDAY (7/17) ONLY!! You'll also get a brand new S.P.A.R.K. Deck, a hand-written gratitude note from me + a custom S.P.A.R.K. sticker too! 

    *If you want the deck deal, make sure to include your shipping address on the next page! 

    90 Left
    10 Supporters
    Select this reward
    50.00 USD
    Get your very own Premium S.P.A.R.K. Card Game + Goodies

    S.P.A.R.K. Connections and inclusive team-building conversations with your very own S.P.A.R.K. Community Deck! You get to choose whether you want the Youth or Adult deck. :)

    Not ONLY will you get a hand-written gratitude note from me with your deck, but you'll also get a custom S.P.A.R.K. sticker + a few other surprises too! 

    86 Left
    14 Supporters
    Select this reward
    60.00 USD
    Get Your S.P.A.R.K. Swag On! (Hat + Sticker + Card Deck + More!!)

    SPARK even more connections and conversations while rocking our S.P.A.R.K. hat and show the world your commitment to equity and inclusion! 

    Not only will you get your very own Premium deck (shown in the $50 reward) but you'll also get your very own baseball hat, stickers, and more! 

    3 Supporters
    Select this reward
    75.00 USD
    SPA Day in A Tin (For Teachers): Contribute and get this relaxing gift for the summertime :) 

    It's summer break, a perfect time to relax and rejuvenate, and we are here for you! Especially because our App is all about supporting teachers on a holistic level.

     

    Not only will we ship the tin to you after the campaign but we're also going to throw in some S.P.A.R.K. swag and goodies too!  

    7 Left
    3 Supporters
    Select this reward
    100.00 USD
    2 S.P.A.R.K. Decks + Facilitators' Toolkit (digital download)

    S.P.A.R.K. meaningful connections and conversations at your next community gathering, and set yourself up for success with our facilitator toolkit! Two games will allow for our team-builder to be used with a group of 8-18 people. The toolkit includes a check-list, preparation guide, feedback form, AND quotes/coasters to facilitate a powerful experience with your community. 

    3 Supporters
    Select this reward
    250.00 USD
    Show a Teacher some love + appreciation: Donate a S.P.A.R.K. Deck Classroom set (or the App subscription) to a teacher

    Shine love and appreciation on an educator. The teacher of your choice will receive 8 S.P.A.R.K. decks + teacher toolkit. Support an educators' equity and inclusion goals by donating to a good cause!

    999 Left
    1 Supporter
    Select this reward
    350.00 USD
    1.5 Hour Strategy Session (or Team Workshop) For Equity Leadership Development

    Up-level your equity leadership and strategize with an inclusion lens with this deep-dive executive coaching session with Rachel.

    You'll walk away with awareness of your blindspots + the 5 Power C's, AND identify a priority/focus area for the next 6 weeks too. 

    Learn more about Rachel's S.P.A.R.K. Leadership approach here: http://www.rachelvrosen.com/leadership-coaching/

    999 Left
    1 Supporter
    Select this reward
    850.00 USD
    3 Hours Of Equity Leadership Coaching (or Team Workshop)

    Unpack your leadership priorities, goals, and intentions and strategize with intentionality in a deep-dive session (AND a 20 minute follow up session 8 weeks later) with Rachel and walk away with crystal clarity around your equity imperative, and awareness of the patterns you'll need to interrupt to make progress on your goals and priorities.

    Learn more about her approach here: http://www.rachelvrosen.com/leadership-coaching/

    1000 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    1,000.00 USD
    Platinum Level Sponsorship: Fund our website and digital marketing strategy + Your name will appear on our website

    Help us reach a wider audience and create a high-quality, user-friendly platform for educator engagement.

    29999 Left
    1 Supporter
    Select this reward
    5,000.00 USD
    Gold Level Sponsorship: Support Expansion in Phases 2 + 3, get a S.P.A.R.K. Deck, we'll donate 25 decks to teachers (on your behalf), + your name will appear on our website!

    Your generous donation will be game-changing for this campaign. With your support, we can meet our strategic growth goals for all three phases of development and support the expansion of Team-S.P.A.R.K so we can have maximal impact doing this important work. This level supports our Expansion in Phases 2 + 3. You'll get a S.P.A.R.K. Deck, we'll donate 25 decks to teachers (on your behalf), + your name will appear on our website as a key contributor and GOLD Sponsor!

    80000 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward