STEAMed Magazine October 2016 | Page 25

If there were one thing we could all do to connect with our creative geniuses, what would it be?  To fully understand that our ego is the enemy. Our need to protect and defend our idea of how we want the world to see us is a profoundly limiting belief system. It is the single greatest block to our exploration, expression and our relationship to the world around us. Talk to us about the act and the reception of creativity.  How can we as educators foster that in our schools and classrooms? Our kids already have open receptors to creativity. The goal for educators is to help harness and focus that creativity into actionable substance. At the administrative level creativity needs to be recognized, affirmed and rewarded for its process, not the outcome. This will be a challenge in our data-driven culture, where we are required to show proof as measurement. If we continue to value achievement in its most traditional form, such as in high grades or classes completed, it will shackle our kids potential. It is short-sighted. I truly believe that teachers already know this. They want to grow their kids’ dreams, challenge their assumptions and help them break through pre-conceived barriers. Our teachers are underpaid and over regulated. If we simply empowered and affirmed our teachers for their natural gifts our kids would be far more empowered and affirmed to succeed. The challenge will be at the administrative level: How can everyone come together to re-imagine education to more accurately reflect our rapidly changing landscape? ** As told to editor Susan Riley on September 4, 2016. RESOURCES FOR YOU! Erik wants every teacher to be a part of the Artwork Revolution. Here’s some special links to help you tap into your own creative genius! The Artwork Revolution    https://theartworkrevolution.com Uncover your dormant artistic talent…then get developmental tools to turn your ‘work’ into ‘ArtWork.’ I Am Artist  http://www.theartofvision.com/product/i-am-artist-classroom-edition-bundle/ ( use the code 100 digbun for a free preview) Unleash your creativity…and be inspired to achieve breakthrough levels of success. STEAMed Magazine 25 October 2016 Edition