Concurrent 45 min

From Hesitation to Imagination: Unlocking Creative Potential in the Classroom

Friday, November 14, 2025

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Location: Convention Center, 317/318

Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Shannon McDonald (she/her/hers)

Graduate Research Assistant
University of Connecticut
Mansfield, Connecticut, United States
Jimmy Wilson (he/him/his)

PhD Student
University of Connecticut
Manchester, Connecticut, United States
Mei Zheng (she/her/hers)

Graduate Assistant
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States

Short Description: Creativity has positive effects on personal well-being, identity formation, and career success, yet advanced students may hesitate to take creative risks for fear of failure. In this interactive session, explore the benefits of creative risk-taking while addressing the challenges. Together we will take a little risk to foster a risk-friendly environment for our students.

Learning Objectives:

Teachers will be able to implement classroom supports for advance learners that enhance creativity.
Teachers will be able to describe the benefits of creative risks and explain why creative risk taking is necessary for advance learners.
Teachers will be able to dispel common creativity myths.