Our Affiliate Directors are key to Future Problem Solving’s ability to deliver great student experiences through the years. Those serving over the decades have witnessed significant growth and change.
How did you become involved in Future Problem Solving?
Jennine: I was a teacher of gifted students at a middle school in Arizona. My Gifted/Talented Coordinator sent me to a training in Michigan in 1985 to learn about Future Problem Solving.
Trevor: I began in 1980, six years after the program was started by Dr. Torrance. At that time, I was approached by the Illinois Council for Gifted and Talented to look for a quality academic competition. I found Future Problem Solving and soon began as the Executive Director for Illinois.
How long were you or have you been an Affiliate Director?
Jennine: After one year of coaching, I became the Affiliate Director for Arizona as there was no program in Arizona. I was an Affiliate Director from 1986-2021. I was a full time Gifted and Talented specialist and was the Affiliate Director on the side. I was never paid for doing the Affiliate Director role.
Trevor: I have been an Affiliate Director for 44 years. I began as an Affiliate Director for Illinois, and now serve as Affiliate Director for Indiana.
What are you most proud of accomplishing while you were an Affiliate Director?
Jennine: Getting the program going in the 1980’s and growing to 100+ teams. In 1997, I took my senior division team of four girls to Beijing to present there about Future Problem Solving.
Trevor: Having over 300,000 kids participate in some fashion over the years. I’m also proud of surviving losing total funding from the state and going from 450 teams to 125 teams, but keeping the Future Problem Solving program alive in my affiliate!
What skills do you need the most to run a successful Future Problem Solving program?
Jennine: Be organized, be approachable, and love the program.
Trevor: Be available and provide a knowledgeable person to prospective coaches so that they have a strong foundation on which to build their program.
Describe a Future Problem Solving experience you’ve had that is noteworthy to you because it’s funny, meaningful, or insightful.
Jennine: Traveling with four of my students to China! The four girls and I taught the six step process, how a team works, and I loved experiencing Chinese culture with the students. The girls had to fundraise to raise the funds to go, and they each had one year experience at the International Conference as Juniors in high school. It was a year Hong Kong was not part of the British empire. Everything was very festive, and an experience I’ve never forgotten! The Chinese participants received us so well and were so appreciative of the girls’ presentations.
Trevor: The year IC was in Providence RI and an Illinois middle team won both GIPS and PAP. They were a phenomenal team!
What advice would you share with other Affiliate Directors? With parents? With students?
Jennine: Work very hard so that you can attend and experience the International Conference. No one can prepare you for the grandeur and chill raising moments of the Opening Ceremonies. Throughout the Conference, you will meet so many new friends from all across the world. I wish everyone could have that experience at least once. My students felt that way about the entire experience of the International Conference. They didn’t care if they won, they were just proud to be a part of it.
Trevor: To Affiliate Directors: Have fun both with the students and the coaches! To parents: Learn about the topics with your kids and support them. This is a lifelong learning process they are learning, it is not only about learning content. To students: Learn this process well so you can use it the rest of your life. This about making friends, learning new things, and the experiences you share will always impact you.
What has changed about International Conference in the time you have been involved?
Jennine: Since the first time I went, it has grown and many more affiliates have been added– especially more foreign affiliates. At that time we did not have affiliate status so we were in the “Open Division” for competition. Nothing was digital back then, so materials and information were mailed out. The mailings were limited, so we actually didn’t fully understand what to do! It was a learn as you go process, but we had a wonderful time!
Trevor: At my first International Conference, I enjoyed having breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Dr. Torrance and his wife, Pansy. The conversation was always enlightening and inspiring. Now, we are very busy helping to assist with the various activities. But, we are still learning and enlightened as we interact with one another as affiliate directors.
Where do you think Future Problem Solving is headed next, what is our future?
Jennine: I think we will see more international affiliates join the program. Unfortunately, funding and time is now very limited for US participating schools.
Trevor: I am reaching out to more home school participants, as there seems to be much interest in the program there. I look forward to working with new audiences outside public schools.
Additional reflecting?
Jennine: I cherish the years I’ve spent in Future Problem Solving. I have gained so many friendships through the students I coached and taught, and through working with other Affiliate Directors. I am proud to have been a small part of such a wonderful organization.
During her time as an Affiliate Director Jennine also served on the Board of Trustees, worked tirelessly to keep the Arizona affiliate going, and served on a variety of committees. Jennine has also become the self-proclaimed historian for Future Problem Solving, even after her retirement.
During his 44 years as Affiliate Director, Trevor Steinbach has also served on the Future Problem Solving Board of Trustees. He is known for creating prolific curriculum for his affiliates. In his spare time, Trevor is involved and participates in Civil War reenactments.
