From WWII aircraft carrier to futuristic classroom

U.S.S. Midway Museum among organizations recognized for innovation

Dave Fidlin | Downtown News

While his organization’s roots represent a bygone era, the leader of the U.S.S. Midway Museum was honored recently for his forward-thinking efforts.

Mac McLaughlin, president and CEO of the museum, located at 910 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown, was among the 2013 recipients of Classroom of the Future Foundation’s 10th annual Innovation in Education Awards ceremony, which was held in late May.

Since its inception, the nonprofit Classroom of the Future Foundation has been working to link San Diego businesses with educational facilities in an effort to help local students thrive in the competitive global society. Heightened use of technology has frequently been cited as one means of achieving this goal.

U.S.S. Midway Museum educator John Weckerly shown during program's recent debut (Courtesy U.S.S. Midway Museum) — U.S.S. Midway Museum educator John Weckerly shown during program’s recent debut (Courtesy U.S.S. Midway Museum)

Bruce Braciszewski, executive director of the foundation, said McLaughlin and his staff have managed to usher the museum into modern times. More than 40,000 students visit the site annually by taking part in hands-on activities in a number of curricular areas, including math, science and social studies.

In recent years, McLaughlin and his staff have begun working with officials in a number of neighboring public school systems, including the San Diego Unified School District.

McLaughlin likens the relationship as “the perfect marriage.”

“We view education as a very important program here at the museum,” he said. “We want this to be a true asset to the community with an engaging environment.”

A key, tangible part of the museum’s relationship with educators has been the addition of classrooms. Portions of the Midway aircraft carrier have been converted into learning spaces. Teachers and students visit the facility throughout the school year for field trips.

To accommodate the interest, the number of classrooms was increased from two to eight in recent years. The museum primarily serves students in grades 2 to 8.

McLaughlin said students taking part in the classroom series receive instruction that is consistent with California teaching standards. Fourth-grade students, for example, are given hands-on lessons in electricity by learning about the Midway’s emergency generator and similar components.

“We want this to be a captivating classroom,” McLaughlin said. “By being receptive to the needs of students and teachers, our success has been assured. This is a program that continues to grow.”

Two students perform an exercise on the flight deck after doing classroom work down below. (Courtesy U.S.S. Midway Museum)

With school out, high school teachers have been invited to take part in training activities at the museum this summer. The goal is to incorporate the training into curriculum taught directly in high school classrooms.

Separately, the San Diego Unified School District received its own recognition at the awards ceremony. District leaders were presented with the foundation’s Impact Award and a $10,000 grant that will go toward classroom technology.

Members of the foundation lauded SDUSD for incorporating 21st century technology into the classroom. The district’s efforts in recent years have included implementation of interactive whiteboards, notebooks and iPads for all district students.

Cindy Marten, the newly installed superintendent of SDUSD, said she views technological implementation as one of her top priorities. The district is in the midst of a rigorous five-year plan that entails revamping all of the district’s 7,000 classrooms.

SDUSD just completed its third year of the so-called i21 Interactive Classroom initiative. Marten credits voters with helping bring the program to fruition through Proposition Z.

Putting digital devices into the hands of students is just one step in the process, Marten said.

“This is also about preparing a robust program so our students are college and career ready,” she said. “We want to do what we can to close the digital divide.”

While Classroom of the Future has been holding awards ceremonies for a decade, the foundation itself has roots going back more than 15 years. Braciszewski helped establish the organization by building relationships with San Diego County officials and local business leaders.

“As we look forward, the foundation will continue to foster innovation through teaching and learning activities with business partners and educational organizations,” Braciszewski said.

For more information on the Classroom of the Future Foundation, call 858-292-3685, or visit the organization’s website at classroomofthefuture.org.

Dave Fidlin has been a professional journalist for more than a dozen years. Throughout his career, he has contributed to a variety of newspapers, magazines and websites across the nation. He has a special affinity for San Diego and its people. Contact him at [email protected].