STEM Touchstones as Unifying Principles for Teacher Professional Learning and Change

• In Event: Teacher Research as Professional Development

Abstract

The Vermont STEM Leadership Institute (VSTEM) is a professional learning program for K-12 educators teaching primarily in high-need schools. The fundamental premise is to actively engage teachers in iterative cycles of constructivist curriculum and pedagogy and authentic scientific research within the context of local environments or “places”. In this presentation, we explore questions related to changes in teacher content, pedagogical, and pedagogical content knowledge over the course of the VSTEM Program. The significance of this research is evident in the variety of professional learning opportunities that build teachers’ capacity to offer more authentic and engaging STEM education to their students.

Authors

• Regina E. Toolin, The University of Vermont

• Simon N. Jorgenson, The University of Vermont

• Stephanie Ratmeyer, The University of Vermont