Developing STEM Talent and Educator Leadership in Rural Communities

• In Event: 28.080 - Navigating the Challenges of Rural Educational Leadership

Abstract

This embedded multi-case study is an examination of three rural middle schools taking part in an intensive informal STEM learning program for economically-disadvantaged, high-ability rural students. This study is conceptualized through the Bioecological Model of Human Development (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). Analysis of classroom observations showed six themes that describe the barriers and affordances rural educators and students encounter while navigating STEM program participation: bullying, community of practice, gender, STEM identity, power, poverty, and rurality. Most critically, findings show that educators and students developed informal communities of practice that leveraged the strengths of small schools and family dynamics to create spaces for developing STEM talent. Results from this study highlight rural educators’ agency in shaping effective informal STEM learning environments.

Authors

• Stephanie Gugliemo Lynch, The University of Iowa

• Lori Marie Ihrig, The University of Iowa

• Duhita Mahatmya, University of Iowa

• Susan G. Assouline, University of Iowa