By Javacia Harris Bowser, See Jane Write Founding Editor
If you didn’t like science class when you were in school, I bet you would have if Jan Mattingly had been your teacher.
Mattingly is the founder of Dynamic Education Adventures, an organization that strives to get kids excited about learning through engaging educational programs. Mattingly brings these programs to classroom, libraries after-school programs and even birthday parties. Mattingly is making a difference in Birmingham by helping the children of our city learn. But In March, Mattingly spoke at TEDxBirmingham 2014 and showed the audience that the same concept she uses to inspire kids can be used to inspire adults too.
For people who weren’t at TEDxBirmingham can you briefly summarize your talk and what you hoped people would take from it?
My talk focused on using creativity to ignite a spark of interest. I believe interest is the foundation of deeper learning and if you can get kids and adults engaged from the start, you’ll get better traction with whatever lesson or information you are presenting. I gave several examples and my “call to action” was to embrace creativity as a powerful weapon in the education arsenal.
How did you get inspired to start Dynamic Education Adventures?
I have always been passionate about education and have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I always knew I wanted to start my own business. I suppose I just needed a push and I got that push in late 2010. I was part of an economic downsizing. What initially seemed so awful proved to be one of the best things ever. It was just a matter of being brave, staying positive and going for it. I’m very lucky in that I’ve found a way to do what I love and give back to my community in a meaningful way.
How do you feel Dynamic Education Adventures is making a difference in Birmingham?
My business is a resource for schools, libraries and community organizations. Kids don’t all learn the same way and the more opportunities for enrichment a child has all the better. I feel that I’m making a difference by providing this service and the response seems to be that the community agrees.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start something similar to DEA but for something other than science?
If you have a passion for it – go for it and believe in yourself. Nothing is going to happen overnight, so be patient and stay positive. When you get to the hiring stage, always hire people smarter than yourself and give them room to do amazing things. Also – never underestimate the value of great customer service. Even if you have the best product in the world, you’ll never realize true success if quality customer service is not one of your cornerstones.
I’m a teacher too and while listening to your talk I was so impressed by how you can make science so exciting and fun. What tips would you give for making lessons in other subjects (such as history or English) just as compelling? Can this approach be applied to fields other than education? Can an employer use these tactics to boost morale during a staff meeting, for example?
Let creativity be your guide. Part of my talk included using Mr. Potato Head to teach geography. If you have a history lesson on Ancient Greece take the time to have the kids build a craft stick Parthenon or create a relay race based on the parts of a sentence. Yes – an employer can use these tactics. When I was in senior management, I used to play hacky sack with my employees and we started off meetings by playing Catch Phrase. I feel often in meetings boring and unproductive go together. An engaged group is just more likely to buy into what you are trying to convey in your meeting.
The Birmingham Jane is a See Jane Write series of profiles on women in Birmingham who are making a difference in our city. If you know of a woman who is making a difference in Birmingham please send your nominations to javacia@seejanewritebham.com. And don’t be ashamed to nominate yourself!