Bring joy into your classroom and engage your students in self-directed projects focused on their self-selected passions. Learn how to implement these high-impact projects in your own classroom through the 6 easy-to-follow steps outlined in the course textbook (details below). These projects are known by many names: Genius Hour, Passion Projects, 20% Time, but they one thing in common: students taking charge of their learning by exploring their passions. Through this course, you will reflect on your current practice, develop your own plan for Genius Hour, and implement Genius Hour in your classroom.  You can do it! Use the easy-to-follow steps laid out in McNair’s book along with the assignments in this course for a fun and engaging experience for both you and your students.

For K-12 Teachers

This class is offered for 3 or 4 Quarter Credits

Required Textbook:

Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry - Passion, Plan, Pitch, Project, Product, and Presentation by McNair

Register Anytime!  You can start your course TODAY!

1. Click "Registration" below.  Our site will redirect you to an SPU registration page where you will pay both the TINT and SPU fee with a credit card. 

2. You will receive an email from SPU with your receipt and a link to the coursework. 

3. You have a year to complete the work at your own pace.  Your grade will be posted on your transcript within a few weeks (and often sooner) of you finishing!

Fees:

Option 1:  Non-Credit/Audit TINT Tuition Fee: $525

Option 2:   3 Quarter Credit = TINT Tuition Fee: $525

+ $165 SPU Credit Fee (Click here for SPU Info) = $690

Option 3:  4 Quarter Credit = TINT Tuition Fee: $625

+ $220 SPU Credit Fee (Click here for SPU Info) = $845

Click Here For Coursework Preview

Student Testimonials:

I always appreciate the space and time to reflect on my practices and learn something new- I’ve already implemented several ideas from this course. Krista’s encouragement, thoughts and feedback are always appreciated. I thought the book provided just the right amount of background, classroom stories, and resources. I appreciated the outside links and connections to different sources and especially enjoyed the article, "A Lost Secret: How to Get Kids to Pay Attention" from NPR.

—TINT Student

It would be hard for me to say one thing that I found beneficial because I honestly found it all to be. It’s been a long time since I’ve been excited about planning and this class made me feel that way again. This class should be a requirement for educators because doing what's best for students is critical. Now more than ever students need to find joy and if learning about their passions does that then we need to do it.

—TINT Student

The most beneficial aspect of this class was to actually have to do a passion project of my own.  I now understand the process and feel the struggles that a student may run into. I also have actual examples of each step of the passion project which is awesome. My expectations for the course were completely exceeded. It was a lot of work and time but so beneficial. I feel completely ready for implementing passion projects in my classroom. I would recommend this course to anyone who is ready to bring autonomy to the classroom.

—TINT Student

I really liked how this course was designed, with a book study, additional online readings and resources, and the assignments. It felt like a good balance of reading the text, but also researching further. I couldn’t imagine just reading the textbook and feeling prepared to implement Genius Hour in my classroom. Taking this class and going through each of the steps as a learner was the best preparation to be ready to do it with my students this coming school year. Thank you!

—TINT Student

I think having to start my own passion project was the most beneficial aspect of the class because it reminded me how personal a project is and how vulnerable a person may be to share their passions with others. When I talk about creating a passion project, I can now share my thoughts and feelings about the experience and I can empathize with some students who might feel overwhelmed and help guide them through their thoughts and help them reach the stage of excitement with their projects. I also greatly appreciate having the time to create my document of the steps of a passion project because I feel confident and ready to add Genius Hour to my schedule this next school year.

—TINT Student