STEM a Priority in Our Schools: Preparing K-12 Teachers with the New York Academy of Sciences

Why it is critical to incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across all content areas? One of the most relevant answers comes from the United Nations, “Capacity in science and technology is a key element in economic and social development. Promoting science education at all educational levels, and scientific literacy in society in general, is a fundamental building block to building a country’s capacity in science and technology. Science education has been a priority for UNESCO since its inception.”

Efforts to strengthen P-12 science education to prepare students for a knowledge-based economy that demands advanced literacy and STEM skills have been underway for almost a decade. The New York State Science Learning Standards (2016) were embraced by educators, and many schools began incorporating STEM education into their instructional practices. But we had no idea that the Covid-19 pandemic was brewing, and that scientific literacy – critical thinking, biology, mathematics, and technology was going to become essential skills to understand and overcome the seismic impact of this global crisis.
 
In addition, the overnight transformation to virtual teaching presented a unique challenge for many educators, but they rose to the challenge. Very quickly, they learned how to teach online and use using web-based platforms multimedia; they participated in of video conferencing and social network platforms, to support each other, plan their lessons and keep in contact with their students’ families. And today, as educators begin to contemplate a better school year next fall, they know they have a richer instructional toolbox, one that they can leverage with their digital age students. 

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In order to prepare and support teachers for this enormous albeit exciting task, the Fordham PDRC is proud to announce the collaboration with the New York Academy of Sciences a global NGO that since 1817 is advancing research, education and policy and is committed to preparing students for tomorrow’s STEM careers. 
 
The purpose of this collaboration is to provide K-12 teachers with the knowledge and tools they need to incorporate critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, communication, collaboration, digital literacy and scientific knowledge in their classrooms. This rigorous, innovative, and highly interactive online professional development for experienced K-12 educators will take place during the months of April and May.
 
We are offering a total of six-hours of professional development that will be delivered in three two-hour STEM webinars, for two groups of K-12 educators (35 participants/ each). Participants will need to commit to attend all three sessions, and they will be eligible to receive 6- CTLE credit hours. Under the guidance of expert and knowledgeable facilitators and with a focus on active learning, participants will collaborate as they explore concepts,  and share ideas and best practices They will leave each webinar with tools, resources, and/or ideas they can implement in their classrooms.
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The PDRC Team is inviting educators of religious and independent schools to take advantage of this top-notch learning opportunity. Please click this link to sign in for the series. Keep in mind that seats are limited to 35 participants/group. 

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