At the Learning Logistics & Tech Tour event in Belton, Missouri, Dr. Ivy Nelson, Instructional Technology Manager for Belton School District #124, shared exciting initiatives underway in her district. She highlighted the transformative impact of hands-on, real-world learning opportunities and the need for a fundamental reimagining of how education is delivered.
One standout program Dr. Nelson oversees is the district's IT internship initiative, a key component of Belton’s participation in the Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) academies model. This program provides high school students in the Technology and Industry Academy with the opportunity to intern directly within the district's technology department.
“Our IT interns work alongside our technicians, learning to repair devices and managing the majority of our one-to-one device repairs for both students and staff,” Dr. Nelson explained. “They’re not only gaining practical, hands-on experience but are also earning professional certifications that will set them up for success in technology-related careers.”
This immersive approach combines classroom learning with real-world application, helping students develop technical skills and workplace readiness. The program also demonstrates the district's commitment to innovative educational models that bridge the gap between academics and industry demands.
Belton School District #124 has ambitious plans to take this program further. One of their proposals for this year is the creation of a community repair shop. This initiative would allow IT interns to extend their skills beyond the school, serving the local community by repairing devices.
“We’re guided by a new strategic plan that emphasizes authentic and engaging learning experiences,” Dr. Nelson shared. “The community repair shop would be a natural extension of our program, reinforcing the value of giving back while providing students with even more meaningful, hands-on opportunities.”
This forward-thinking initiative reflects the district's commitment to innovation and community connection, fostering a learning environment where students can thrive while making tangible contributions.
Dr. Nelson also spoke about the broader need for systemic change in education. She emphasized that traditional methods of instruction often fail to meet the needs of today’s learners, and a bold reimagining of how schools approach teaching and learning is critical.
“It’s a complete mind shift,” she said. “We’ve been teaching the same way we were taught, but it’s time to stop trying to fit that square peg in a round hole. We need to completely redo things. And until you see it in action, it can be hard to imagine what’s possible.”
Her remarks underscore the urgency of moving beyond outdated educational practices. By embracing innovation and rethinking everything from instructional methods to student engagement, districts like Belton are positioning themselves at the forefront of educational transformation.
Dr. Nelson’s work, along with her teammates, exemplifies how schools can adapt to meet the needs of modern learners by creating programs that are both relevant and forward-thinking. From IT internships that prepare students for the workforce to visionary plans for community engagement, Belton School District #124 is setting a powerful example for districts nationwide.
As education continues to evolve, leaders like Dr. Nelson remind us of the importance of breaking away from tradition and daring to innovate. By fostering authentic, engaging learning experiences and embracing a mindset of transformation, schools can better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Tune in to the full video below.
