As a one of the two science teachers in my middle school, I am committed to become a leader at my school for STEM education, as well as science education at the middle school level. Next year we will start writing a curriculum map for our science department. I plan on being on that committee along with the other science teacher to ensure that we have STEM education as well as inquiry based instruction added to our curriculum. I have joined the science articulation group, and am the representative at our building to work withe high school and area middle schools to collaborate and discuss our science programs and how we can help our students be successful in middle school and in high school.
I have been lucky to work with another science teacher that is amazing and is just as passionate about science and math as I am. We have worked together well and plan on developing an integrated science program at our school that prepares our students with the skills they need to use critical thinking, problem solving, and be prepared for with the 21st century skills they will need to be successful in their futures. I have also been blessed with a extremely supportive and knowledgeable administrative staff and school board that have made it easy to promote change and rigor to our science program. I plan to stay abreast of the latest developments on STEM education and work hard to promote STEM education in my classroom and throughout our school for all levels and subjects. I work with a great group of teachers that really have our students best interest at heart and are willing to try anything new, no matter how much work or change it entails to prepare our students to be successful once they leave our building and move on in the world. They make it easy to be successful!
You are so right that it makes collaborating fun and easy when you work with someone who is as passionate as you are. It really helps to have a person to bounce ideas off of and that really understands the importance of incorporating STEM and 21st century skills into teaching.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to be a part of writing a curriculum map for your science department and what a great way to make sure that STEM and inquiry based instruction are included. I also think that it is awesome that you are in the science articulation group and represent your school at meetings about the science programs. It is so important to all work together and I think that is how you achieve the most effective results.
Good luck next year! It sounds like you have the perfect faculty to promote STEM education and that they have great attitudes about trying new things. I am sure that you will promote positive change at your school in the years to come!
I think it is great that you are going to help integrate STEM education as well as inquiry based instruction into your school's curriculum. I also like how you work cooperatively with the high school and local middle schools to ensure your students are gaining the necessary 21st-century skills for being successful throughout their educational careers and in the future when they enter the 21st-century workforce. Do you work with local elementary schools too? My current school is opening up our first middle school next school year and I plan on working cooperatively with the science teachers there to ensure my students will be fully prepared when they transition into middle school.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Lisa. You are truly raising the awareness of STEM education and its importance. I too share my imporved science lessons with my fellow teachers. Incorporating inquiry and technology has added so much to my teaching.
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