Inspiring Teachers: Leading a Digital Ecosystem of Educational Innovation
The design of a digital ecosystem that transformed a contest into a nationwide learning experience.
PORTAFOLIO
My Role: Digital Product and Strategy Leader
The Challenge
The "Teachers that Inspire" project was born with a great vision: to launch a national contest to identify and reward the most innovative teachers in Colombia. However, a few weeks after the launch and with sponsors already on board, the technological platform that had been contracted proved to be completely unfeasible. We faced a crisis: the risk of canceling the project was imminent. My challenge was to take the lead at this critical juncture and, with a minimal team and under immense pressure, build a complete digital ecosystem from scratch that would not only save the project, but elevate it to an experience of real value for hundreds of teachers across the country.
My Strategic Solution
My approach was to transform what was going to be a simple contest into a real learning and visibility experience. Instead of just asking teachers to compete, I decided that we should give them the tools to strengthen their projects. I designed a comprehensive solution that ranged from educational methodology to digital execution and large-scale communication.
- Designing the Learning Experience: My first action was to create a virtual course on Educational Innovation. I conceptualized and wrote the content for 6 modules that served as the backbone of the program, giving teachers practical tools through videos, PDF guides and downloadable templates. This shifted the focus from "competing" to "learning and sharing".
- Digital Platform Management: I led the development of a new platform and website from conceptualization to implementation. I worked directly with the development team to ensure a friendly and intuitive user experience, and included a key functionality: an interactive map to geolocate and make visible each of the registered projects, turning the site into a showcase of educational innovation in the country.
- 360° Communication and Partnership Facilitation: I executed the complete communication strategy. I wrote the script for the TV commercial that aired nationally on Caracol TV and prepared the strategic material (presentations, impact reports) that was key to facilitate the achievement of 13 high-level alliances, including El Espectador and other foundations.
- Creation of the Evaluation System: To ensure a fair and transparent rating process, I designed the complete evaluation rubric and led the training of a high-profile volunteer jury, composed of experts in education, technology and entrepreneurship.
Impact Results
The project was a resounding success, not only overcoming the initial crisis, but also setting a new standard for the program. We were able to secure over $80,000 USD in resources and in-kind support, which ensured its viability and allowed us to build a robust platform. The call for applications was well received, with more than 1,200 pre-registered teachers and 555 full registrations from all corners of the country, far exceeding expectations. Our communication strategy generated a national conversation, reaching 446,000 people on social networks and consolidating an ecosystem of support with 13 top-level organizations linked as sponsors and allies.