Unleashing Young Inventors: Curiosity, Creativity, and the Power of Invention
With Dr. Jessie Matthews and Dr. Joni Lakin
November 17, 2026
6:00 - 7:00 PM CT
Are your students excited to invent new solutions to problems they see in their everyday lives?
Invention Convention Alabama (ICA) is a grade 4-12 invention education program that activates student learning through STEM + Invention + Entrepreneurship. Students work through the invention process to learn and develop problem identifying, solving, and creativity skills for life, inspiring young people to become innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs. This hands-on, real-world, project-based learning program culminates in an invention fair (leading to regional, state, and national competition) that gives students the opportunity to show off their invention, receive feedback from judges involved in the field, and meet other inventors/students.
This webinar will be led by Dr. Jessie Matthews, a gifted educator, who has coached Invention Convention teams for two years and led training across the state for the launch of Invention Convention Alabama in 2025.
Dr. Jessie Matthews is currently an Enrichment/Gifted Education Specialist in Auburn City Schools. Prior to her time in Auburn, she held multiple positions in Colorado from a 6th grade multi-subject teacher, an accelerated 6th grade math teacher, as well as a Director of Gifted Education and District Assessment Coordinator. Jessie received her Doctorate of Education from the University of Denver in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Gifted Education.
Dr. Joni Lakin is an Associate Professor of Educational Studies at the University of Alabama. She has worked with school districts and afterschool programs across Alabama engaged in engineering education and enrichment.
Register Here!
The Zoom link will be emailed the week of the webinar.
Susannah Richards is a professor who teaches literacy, literature, and teacher pedagogy courses. She reads lots and lots of books. She has served on the 2013 John Newbery Committee, 2017 Geisel Award Committee, and chaired the 2025 Boston Globe Horn Book Award committee. She regularly presents at national and state conferences on escalating English Language Arts for all students, highlights new books, and collaborates with teachers, librarians, and families all over the country. Follow her on Instagram @SussingOutBooks.Susannah Richards is a professor who teaches literacy, literature, and teacher pedagogy courses. She reads lots and lots of books. She has served on the 2013 John Newbery Committee, 2017 Geisel Award Committee, and chaired the 2025 Boston Globe Horn Book Award committee. She regularly presents at national and state conferences on escalating English Language Arts for all students, highlights new books, and collaborates with teachers, librarians, and families all over the country. Follow her on Instagram @SussingOutBooks.
