Changemakers

 Rachel Baumgart 

4/10/25

"The Future of Learning: Embracing Genius Hour in My Classroom"

Imagine a classroom where students are buzzing with curiosity, deeply engaged in projects they designed themselves, and excited to share what they've learned. This is what I envision for my future classroom—and it all starts with something called Genius Hour.

Genius Hour is a movement inspired by companies like Google, which allowed employees to dedicate 20% of their time to passion projects. The result? Innovation. Creativity. Ownership. And that's exactly what I want for my students.

Why Genius Hour?

In today's world, knowledge is everywhere—but curiosity, critical thinking, and motivation? Those have to be nurtured. Genius Hour gives students the freedom to explore their interests while still hitting core academic skills like research, writing, speaking, and problem-solving.

For example, one student might investigate how video game design works, while another could explore ways to reduce plastic waste in their community. Some might even create a podcast, design an app, or write a book. The sky is the limit—and that’s the beauty of it.

Skills for the Real World

Beyond academics, Genius Hour fosters essential life skills:

• Time management

• Goal setting

• Collaboration and communication

• Perseverance through challenges

These aren't just “school skills”—they're life skills. They help students become self-starters, thinkers, and problem-solvers ready to thrive in any path they choose.

My Plan

In my future classroom, Genius Hour will be a weekly highlight. Students will propose a question or project, research it over several weeks, and share their findings in a creative presentation. I’ll be their guide, not their director—offering support, feedback, and encouragement along the way.

Imagine students looking forward to Mondays because that’s the day they get to dive into something they actually care about. That’s the kind of joy I want learning to bring.

Final Thoughts

Genius Hour is more than just a project—it's a mindset. It’s about creating a culture where student voice and choice matter. Where learning is personal. Where school feels exciting, relevant, and empowering.

As a future educator, I can’t wait to create that space.