This paper considers how the meaning of innovation has changed over time and considers how contemporary conceptions of innovation are problematic for education. The popularity of the overhead projector in schools during the 1960s is examined to show how education innovation relies on a novel new product for classrooms and a belief by adopters that the tool will radically change education. Educational Innovation movements masquerade consumerism as pedagogy. Current Canadian examples of innovation are examined to show how innovation has become a trendy buzzword. Innovation has connections to consumerism which problematizes the prevalent notion that innovation is the target that education must strive to achieve. Education must place effective pedagogy first and foremost and cannot get sidetracked in the race to become innovative.