STEM Values
Nurturing STEM Equity
Why it’s important
Waiting until middle school and high school to introduce students to rigorous science and engineering is too late. This narrows the STEM pathways available to children, especially children from high-needs schools or traditionally marginalized groups.
How we address it
The UNCG STEM TLC works with teachers to provide science-and engineering-focused professional learning, that puts the teacher in the role of the learner. In this way, teachers are able to take their experiences back to their classrooms and engage elementary students in hands-on, rigorous science and engineering instruction.
OUR TEACHERS SAY…
“My students understand that science is part of their future, no matter what that future might be. STEM TLC helped me send that message to my students.” – 4th Grade Teacher
Empowering Teacher Leaders
Why it’s important
When we empower teachers as leaders, we uniquely position them to mentor, organize, and empower fellow teachers and students. Teacher leaders are critical for modeling and implementing change in schools and teachers’ instruction.
How we address it
The UNCG STEM TLC strives to empower our teachers to be leaders in their schools and communities by providing opportunities for teachers to showcase their expertise, present alongside the STEM TLC team at conferences, and facilitate professional learning for fellow teachers.
OUR TEACHERS SAY…
“STEM TLC helped the leader in me shine. Being a teacher leader is so important to me because I get to share my expertise and learn from my colleagues at the same time.” – STEM TLC Teacher Leader
Creating a “We” Culture
Why it’s important
Creating a “we” culture starts with the assumptions that everyone contributes to a community’s collective knowledge in their own unique ways. This is true for both elementary classrooms and for teachers who seek a supportive community of like-minded teacher to collaborate with.
How we address it
The UNCG STEM TLC not only encourages teachers to create a “we” culture in their own classrooms, but strives to provide opportunities for teachers to create a network of support and collaboration between and across schools through Communities of Inquiry, professional learning, and events such as STEMergizing Saturday.
OUR TEACHERS SAY…
“Learning with this group of teachers reminds me that we all have something valuable to contribute” – 3rd Grade Teacher