Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Maitland
Hi Adam, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a teacher with 15 years of experience. I worked in general and special education for grades K-12 and STEM for K-8. I cultivated my skills through my ability to integrate subjects, standards, and project-based learning. I taught fifth-grade science and social studies within the last two years while co-running the robotics team. Robotics can be expensive, coding can be time-consuming, and often, I was looking for opportunities to get my students away from screen time. As I planned my force and motion unit, I saw an easy way to connect the standards with a project-based concept for students to work in teams to build battle bots and complete challenges to collect data reinforcing the skillsets required by fifth-grade science standards. I purchased and adapted remote control cars with boxes to create a base for each team to have a battle bot, which is now called Create-O-Bots. Based on the materials I supplied them in their kits, they had to plan and build their Create-O-Bot to meet the requirements for each challenge until the final lesson, where they put all their systems together and battled in the 5th Grade Battle Royale. We made a whole day out of it and invited the parents. Everyone raved about how much they loved this unit; the parents had never seen their students so engaged. I adjusted the concept and materials to use and launched Creative Arena in response. Creative Arena allows all levels of learners to plan, build, and battle a Create-O-Bot against other opponents while tackling different challenges and making improvements to their bots. I host an hour and a half event at Bearden Elementary School once a month with 10 available spots.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am just starting to find my footing in advertising, hosting, and running a business. As I host each event, I reflect on what is working and what I need to improve in terms of materials and experiences. I always ask for feedback and mostly hear the same reviews. The kids had a blast and can’t wait to come to the next event. I am working simultaneously as launching Creative Arena, so having enough time to do both can be difficult. However, I see so much potential in what Creative Arena can offer. I know it is worth the investment to see it through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an accomplished educator and instructional designer with extensive experience in curriculum development, project management, and educational technology. As Director of Content for SolarPowerFx, I lead content development initiatives, significantly increasing user engagement and customer satisfaction through high-quality content and a customer-centric approach. I develop and deliver engaging instructional content for 5th-grade students, focusing on NGSS and state standards. I completed my dissertation at Lincoln Memorial University in 2023 on Investigating Evidence-Based Practices and Interventions Using Multifaceted Learning Theory for Special Education. I wrote and published my book, Superhero Within: Super Drat, in 2019 and created and published the card game Awakened in 2021. I am also the 2016 winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the 2018 Teacher of the Year. My career is a testament to my unwavering dedication to enhancing educational outcomes through innovative instructional design and effective teaching strategies. My diverse experiences in various educational settings have equipped me with the skills necessary to foster student and organizational success, instilling confidence in my abilities.
What were you like growing up?
I was a creative and innovative kid. I wasn’t much into sports, but I have always loved art and science. I would draw pictures and create fascinating new worlds with my writing. I was a great student. I was actually in special education growing up, but had two phenomenal special education teachers who helped me to hone my skills and develop my abilities to learn, acclimate socially, and channel my creativity into my work.
Pricing:
- Event fee: $30 – pays for the materials and use of a r/c car for battling
- Purchase Fee: $135 – pays for a new set of materials and your own r/c car
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mycreativearena.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MyCreativeArena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Creative-Arena/61559026290648/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmycreativearena
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mycreativearena
- Other: https://sites.google.com/view/adam-maitland-/
