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Unlocking the Future of STEM Careers: Bridging Classrooms with STEM Professionals

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Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 33

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Presenters

Michelle Pearson

Educator, 2011 CO Teacher of the Year

Century Middle School
@tchpreservation
@tchpreservation

Michelle Pearson is an educator, historic preservationist, the 2008 Colorado Technology Teacher of the Year, and the 2011 Colorado Teacher of the Year. She is half of the team Two Geeky Teachers and works in the Adams 12 school district. She works diligently to promote the use of primary sources, technology, STEM, historic places, archaeology, and the use of artifacts and museum resources as part of classroom instruction. She advocates for and supports STEM technology and trades education locally, statewide, and national oasis as a teacher leader, speaker, curriculum designer and master educator.

Steven Elza

Automotive Technology Teacher

Fremd High School
@autoteach211
@autoteach211

Dr. Cameron McKinley

Technology Integration Coach

Hoover City Schools
@camruns

A National Board certified teacher, Cameron’s a career switcher who worked at IBM in marketing, and then as a military marketing director overseas in Germany and Georgia. Returning to Alabama, she switched to education where she taught secondary computer classes for 7 years and has worked since 2003 as a technology integration coach. She also teaches online classes for the state virtual school. She earned a masters (2007), an EdS (2009) and her doctorate (2021) in education technology. A Google Certified Innovator and Google Education Trainer who strives to ensure the use of technology makes the world a better place.

Dyane Smokorowski

Coordinator of Digital Literacy

Wichita Public Schools
@Mrs_Smoke
@mrssmokeks

Dyane Smokorowski is an accomplished educator, having been inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame in 2019 and named 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year. As Coordinator of Digital Literacy in the Wichita Public Schools, she fosters a student-centered classroom that builds skills in communication, planning, research, and project implementation. Mrs. Smoke also creates engaging professional development opportunities for teachers. She believes in instilling a love for innovation, communication, and technology to help students and educators thrive in the global community. Mrs. Smoke's guidance inspires students and teachers to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.

Session description

Explore our session on bridging STEM professionals with classrooms. Discover practical strategies for educators to engage experts, cultivating student interest in STEM careers. Delve into real-world success stories, tangible resources, and interactive methods. Attendees will leave equipped to inspire, connecting students with the diverse world of STEM possibilities.

Purpose & objective

Educational Challenge:
Educators often struggle to effectively connect their students with diverse STEM professionals, hindering students' exposure to real-world STEM careers.

Technology Intervention:
We leverage widely accessible digital tools like video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and communication tools (e.g., email, social media) for virtual interactions with STEM professionals.

Objectives (Participant Outcomes):

Participants will learn how to identify and select STEM professionals from diverse backgrounds and fields to engage with their students.

Participants will gain insights into creating purposeful and sustained engagement between STEM professionals and students, moving beyond one-off interactions.

Participants will receive a comprehensive engagement guides, authored by K-12, enabling immediate implementation of strategies in their classrooms.

Participants will explore real-world success stories of educators who have successfully connected students with STEM professionals, highlighting the positive impact on student engagement and career interest.

Evidence of Success: We will share case studies showcasing increased student interest in STEM careers, improved engagement, and feedback from educators who have successfully implemented our strategies.

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Outline

Introduction
Greet participants and introduce the poster session.
Mention the engaging "STEM Trek" trivia game and its relevance.

STEM Trek Trivia Game
Invite participants to join the game.
Pose STEM-related questions to spark interest.
Offer small prizes for correct answers.

Unpacking STEM Career Guides
Briefly explain the purpose and content of the STEM Career Guides.
Highlight key benefits and their relevance to educators.
Mention the personal stories of inviting STEM professionals into classrooms.

Audience Sharing
Encourage participants to share their experiences or challenges regarding guest speakers in classrooms.
Foster a brief discussion on common issues or curiosities and how these career guides can provide support on classroom management, guiding STEM Professionals on how they can engage students effectively, and fostering partnerships for longer term collaborations with STEM professionals.

QR Code for Career Guides
Provide a QR code for participants to scan.
Explain that it will take them directly to the STEM Career Guides for further exploration.

Conclusion and Next Steps
Thank participants for their engagement.
Encourage them to reach out for more information or support.

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Supporting research

Hayden, K., Ouyang, Y., Scinski, L., Olszewski, B., & Bielefeldt, T. (2011). Increasing student interest and attitudes in STEM: professional development and activities to engage and inspire learners. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 11(1), 47–69. http://stelar.edc.org/sites/stelar.edc.org/files/v11i1science1.pdf
J
ollity. (2023, July 28). 2023 Trends Report: Trends and Predictions that are defining STEM in 2023 - Beyond100K. Beyond100K. https://beyond100k.org/2022-trends-report-trends-and-predictions-that-are-defining-stem-in-2023/

Kricorian, K., Seu, M., López, D., Ureta, E., & Equils, O. (2020). Factors influencing participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields: matched mentors and mindsets. International Journal of STEM Education, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00219-2

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Session specifications

Topic:

Global collaboration

Grade level:

PK-12

Skill level:

Beginner

Audience:

Coaches, Curriculum/district specialists, Teachers

Attendee devices:

Devices useful

Attendee device specification:

Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows

Subject area:

Career and technical education, STEM/STEAM

ISTE Standards:

For Educators:
Leader

Advocate for equitable access to educational technology, digital content and learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Designer

Design authentic learning activities that align with content area standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning.

For Students:
Global Collaborator

Students use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.

Unlocking the Future of STEM Careers: Bridging Classrooms with STEM Professionals

, Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 33

Presenters

Session description

Purpose & objective

Outline

Supporting research

Session specifications

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,
Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 33