A spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and possibility filled the room as educators gathered for Butler Tech’s first-ever entrepreneurship-focused professional development experience. What began as an opportunity designed for Butler Tech teachers quickly grew into something even larger, bringing together industry leaders, community partners, and educators united around preparing students for success beyond high school.
Through a partnership with Intuit for Education and the American Sign Museum, Butler Tech Entrepreneurship created an immersive day centered on financial literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. The experience brought these partners together with a shared goal: giving teachers practical ways to help students connect classroom learning to real opportunities in the world around them.
Teachers spent the day learning alongside Butler Tech Entrepreneurship Coordinator Jeremy West, exploring how entrepreneurial concepts can be embedded across all subject areas. While originally designed exclusively for Butler Tech educators, interest quickly expanded to include two teachers from Hamilton High School, reflecting a growing regional commitment to preparing students with real-world skills.
At Butler Tech, the belief is clear. Every student deserves the opportunity to understand how businesses are built, how money works, and how their ideas can become something real. This professional learning experience reflected that vision by equipping teachers with practical tools, confidence, and partnerships to bring entrepreneurial learning to life in their classrooms.
The American Sign Museum hosted the event, offering an inspiring setting grounded in creativity, marketing, and business history. Teachers toured the facility to explore the evolution of signage, branding, and American commerce, gaining insight into how entrepreneurship has shaped local businesses and communities over time. Surrounded by vibrant displays and historic artifacts, educators experienced firsthand how storytelling, design, and business strategy come together in the real world.
“The glowing signs certainly make for an inspiring setting, but they also show just how vital businesses are to having a vibrant community,” said Erin Holland of the American Sign Museum. “The Museum’s Main Street display is the perfect place to reflect on the role entrepreneurs play in a community.”
The museum also introduced its new entrepreneurial programming, which helps students explore market research, location planning, and business development, creating opportunities for future class visits and hands-on learning experiences.
Intuit for Education demonstrated its commitment to student success by bringing a dedicated team to collaborate directly with Butler Tech educators. Rather than delivering traditional presentations, the team engaged teachers in hands-on simulations, activities, and classroom resources designed to strengthen financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.
“At Intuit for Education, we believe in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders,” said David Cook. “The way Butler Tech integrates personal finance and entrepreneurial finance as a cornerstone of education sets the standard for preparing students for their future.”
Teachers explored tools that help students understand budgeting, taxes, financial decision-making, and business fundamentals. These skills will serve them whether they enter the workforce, pursue college, or start their own ventures. The team also worked alongside educators to develop lesson ideas that can be implemented immediately in Butler Tech classrooms.
Throughout the day, teachers learned not only from industry and community partners but from one another. They shared ideas, explored new strategies, and envisioned how entrepreneurial thinking could enhance learning in subjects ranging from math and finance to art, marketing, and beyond. Participants embraced the experience with enthusiasm, demonstrating a shared commitment to helping students become confident problem-solvers and innovators.
For Jeremy West, the day represented more than professional development. It reflected the power of educators willing to try something new for their students.
“I’m so grateful for these teachers who took a chance on our first entrepreneurship PD,” West said. “Their passion for bringing entrepreneurship into their classrooms will change what’s possible for our students.”
By the end of the experience, teachers left energized and ready to continue embedding entrepreneurship across Butler Tech programs. What began as a single professional learning opportunity became a strong example of what can happen when schools, businesses, and community organizations work together, ensuring Butler Tech students graduate with the skills, confidence, and mindset to succeed in their chosen path.