Challenges

Theme: Elementary STEM

How might we effectively prepare and support elementary teachers to teach STEM?

STEM learning has not traditionally been perceived as a critical component of elementary students’ education. As a result, many elementary teachers have not been well-prepared or supported to teach these subjects. For all students to have access to excellent STEM teaching and learning during their elementary years, early childhood and elementary teacher preparation must include STEM instruction. Moreover, school principals and leaders must value and allocate resources to support STEM instruction, including professional development for teachers in these subjects and dedicated time during the day for teaching these subjects. In addition, efforts to overcome elementary teachers' anxiety around STEM subjects while also rectifying the false perception that elementary teachers are not interested in teaching STEM, can supplement these activities to increase all teachers’ and students’ access to and engagement in high-quality STEM education activities.