Lessons Learned: An Innovative STEM Program for STEM Teacher Development

• In Event: Learning Environments as Nurturing Spaces for the STEM Disciplines

Abstract

The paper presentation will address issues that sit at the intersection of early childhood and elementary teacher preparation, STEM education, and inclusive teacher education: criticism over the quality of teacher preparation programs, equity and access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming and career opportunities, and an increasing demand for teachers certified to teach in inclusive settings. These issues are taken up through the epiSTEMic Program, an innovative, informal STEM teaching and learning collaboratory for student and teacher development in an inclusive setting. The presentation will include first-hand account by participants as they explore theory-with-practice to innovate STEM methods instruction to teach, learn and reflect from and with children in an attempt to address the issues posed.

Authors

• Sumi Hagiwara, Montclair State University

• Christopher McLaughlin, Montclair State University

• Zania Saul, Montclair State University

• Ali Zeidan, Montclair State University

• Gloria Li, Jersey City Board of Education- PS 17

• Zachary Lee, Montclair State University

• Martina Ducret, Montclair State University