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2026 Genius Hour Academy

Are you ready to find meaning in your mess?

ONLY 100 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

 

IMPORTANT DATES

July 9th and 10th

Waco, Texas

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In-Person Genius Hour Academy

Get ready for an unforgettable learning experience at Genius Hour Academy 2026, a high-energy, small-group academy happening right here in my hometown of Waco, Texas! This is more than professional learning, it’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and dive deep into the power of Genius Hour to identify, challenge, and serve gifted learners in authentic, meaningful ways.

We’ll spend time asking big questions, exploring real strategies, and digging into the “how” behind student curiosity and passion-driven learning. Expect rich conversations, hands-on idea sharing, and plenty of time to ask questions and think deeply alongside passionate educators.

And because great learning happens in community, we’ll enjoy dinner together, explore Waco, and create space for genuine connection and inspiration. This intentionally small group means you won’t get lost in the crowd, you’ll be part of something personal, engaging, and energizing.

Come ready to learn, connect, and leave recharged with ideas you can’t wait to bring back to your learners.

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What you can expect

Learning

  • Experience the 6 phases of Genius Hour: Passion, Plan, Pitch, Project, Product, and Presentation.

  • Participate in hands-on activities that model how Genius Hour works in the classroom.

  • Learn practical strategies for managing, scaffolding, and assessing student projects.

  • Receive coaching and feedback as you begin your own passion project.

  • Develop a customized plan to bring Genius Hour into your own teaching practice.

Resources

  • Ready-to-use templates for student planning, pitching, reflection, and goal-setting.

  • A Skills Enhancement Suite PACKED with over 80 learning experiences that can be utilized throughout the Genius Hour process

  • A signed copy of Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry

  • A personalized implementation planner to map out your first 6 weeks of Genius Hour.

  • A curated list of tools, articles, and digital resources to support your ongoing Genius Hour journey.

Networking

  • Collaborate with like-minded educators who are passionate about purposeful learning in the classroom.

  • Join small group “pitch circles” to practice sharing ideas and receive supportive feedback.

  • Take part in an evening exploration event with discussion opportunities, thought partnership, and a tour of downtown Waco.

  • Share and gather best practices during interactive idea swap sessions.

  • Pair up with an accountability partner to stay supported after the Academy ends.

Sign me up for the Genius Hour Academy!

Itinerary Details

Here's what you can expect...

Day 1: Passion, Plan, Pitch

Discover. Design. Share.
Learn how to spark curiosity in your students - and yourself. You'll explore your own passions, map out a project plan, and pitch your idea in a supportive, collaborative environment.

✅ Learn to teach: passion discovery, student planning, and pitching
✅ Experience it yourself through guided activities and peer feedback
✅ Connect and unwind at the evening Networking & Exploration event

Day 2: Project, Product, Presentation

Build. Create. Inspire.
Take what you’ve started and bring it to life. You'll explore how to support student project work and guide them toward meaningful products and powerful presentations — all while building tools for your own classroom and project.

✅ Dive into classroom-ready strategies for project-based learning
✅ Create your own Genius Hour toolkit
✅ Showcase your work in an energizing educator celebration

Hotel and Venue Details

Here's all the details...

Academy Venue

 

Details coming soon!

Additional Hotels and Local Suggestions

Hotels:

This information is coming soon.


Restaurants:
Saltgrass Steakhouse
Chuy’s
Fish City Grill
Walk - On’s
PF Chang’s
Los Cucos
Don Carlos
Logan’s Roadhouse

Past Participant Testimonials

"Worth the time and buy in. I would encourage any teacher who is considering GH to come to your Academy!"

 

"GH Academy was two days jam packed with tools that I can use in the classroom to help my students be successful."

 

"Such a great learning experience and so many resources!"

 

"One of the best trainings I’ve ever attended."

 

"It was amazing and gave me a renewed excitement about teaching students through doing, experiences, choice, and collaboration. "

 

"It's a great way to learn about GH, how to implement it, and connect with others who want to drive student learning to deeper more meaningful places!"

 

FAQ

What's Included

  • Two FULL days of learning
  • Resource Package (the book, student learning guides, and Skills Enhancement Suite)
  • Dedicated time and support to work on your own passion project
  • Ongoing access to the Genius Hour Academy Community
  • Certificate of Completion

What's NOT Included

  • Travel and lodging accomodations
  • Meals (there will be light breakfast provided both days)
  • Technology devices (you will need to bring your own device)
I Can't Wait to Attend!

Genius Hour Academy Founder

Author of Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry
KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Andi McNair

As the founder of the Genius Hour Academy, I’m passionate about reimagining what learning can look like when students are empowered to follow their curiosity. With over 25 years in education as a teacher, gifted classroom teacher, and gifted specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how transformational student-driven learning can created real change, not just for kids, but for educators, too.

The idea for the Genius Hour Academy was born from a simple belief: every learner, adult or child, deserves the chance to pursue work that matters to them. This experience was designed to not only equip educators with the tools to launch Genius Hour in their classrooms, but to reignite their own passion and purpose along the way. I'm honored to lead this journey and help educators create the kind of classrooms where curiosity thrives and creativity takes the lead.

What's My Investment?

You may be asking, “What’s the cost of joining this Academy?” But the better question is:
What is it costing you, and your students, to stay stuck in the status quo?

Every day you put off igniting student passion, creativity, and ownership in your classroom is a missed opportunity. An opportunity for deeper engagement. For authentic learning. For joyful teaching. The Genius Hour Academy isn’t just another PD, it’s a mindset shift. It’s a professional breakthrough. It’s a chance to reconnect with why you became an educator in the first place.

What will your classroom look like a year from now if nothing changes? Will your students still be filling out worksheets, disconnected from their own learning? Will you still feel like you're surviving, not thriving?

Or…
You could walk away from this Academy with a plan that energizes your teaching, unlocks student potential, and moves your practice forward in a way that’s meaningful, sustainable, and real.

This isn’t just an investment in training,  it’s an investment in transformation. For you. For your classroom. For every learner who walks through your door.

Genius Hour Academy 2026 (In-Person)

Ready to reignite your passion for teaching? The Genius Hour Academy offers a unique opportunity to rediscover what inspires you as an educator while learning how to use passion-based learning to engage and challenge gifted learners. Through hands-on activities, dynamic discussions, and practical strategies, you'll leave with the tools and confidence to transform your classroom. Whether you’re new to Genius Hour or looking to deepen your approach, this experience will spark curiosity, foster creativity, and empower you to make a lasting impact!

$299.00 USD

Got questions?

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