MakerBot is launching a brand new ‘MakerBot Educators program’ to promote the use of 3D printing in classrooms.

A new program launched by MakerBot seeks to further promote the use of 3D printing in classrooms. MakerBot is launching the program at the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) in Orlando, Florida. 

The aim of the program is for educators in the USA to exchange knowledge, participate in challenges, and receive greater support from MakerBot.

Drew Lentz, Manager at MakerBot Learning, said in a press release:

“After recently establishing Thingiverse Education, now the largest collection of 3D printing lesson plans online, we saw an immediate response from hundreds of teachers who were excited to contribute content and share best practices with their peers. The new MakerBot Educators program is taking it a step further by forging a closer relationship between MakerBot and the most engaged teachers of our community.”

But there’s a minimum requirement to join the program; firstly, educators should have contributed at least two projects to the Thingiverse Education platform. Second, they should also have access to a registered MakerBot device.

What’s So Special about the MakerBot Educators Program?

Once you’ve become a member, you will be invited to join monthly missions. The aim is for these missions to increase student access to 3D printing, and promote the benefits of design thinking and STEM. 

Participants will receive a welcome kit which includes MakerBot gear. By joining monthly missions, educators and students will be able to earn prizes like extra MakerBot filament. 

Ultimately, the program hopes to come up with new ways to teach using the technology. This could also help communicate the capabilities of 3D printing to the public.

Brian Mernoff, a teacher participating in the program’s trial period, said:

“Being part of the MakerBot Educator community allows me to be part of a network of teachers who see the same benefits of the technology and who I can learn from and share ideas with.”

Elsewhere, Dr. Paul Gerton is a Thingiverse Education contributor. He has already joined the program as a MakerBot Educator and said:

“By starting early in middle school and high school, we can now send students to college already possessing 3D design skills. They are then better prepared for classes, co-ops, and internships right from the start. I am a MakerBot Educator because I want to equip my students with the knowledge and skills that they will need in the future.”

Want to find out more information and participate? Head over to the MakerBot educators page.