Title: Preparing Future K-12 STEM Leaders
Stream: Higher Education
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Evangeline Aguilera, University of Texas San Antonio, United States
Timothy Yuen, University of Texas San Antonio, United States
Juan Manuel Niño, University of Texas San Antonio, United States
Abstract:
Our university’s nationally recognized exemplary principal preparation program focuses on transforming teachers serving in urban, culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse communities within the south Texas region into school leaders who advocate for social justice, equity and excellence in public schools. These aspiring school leaders are at the forefront of creating more equitable access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Technology (STEM) education in communities with high minority and low socio-economic status populations, and thus are instrumental in creating more pathways to broaden diversity in STEM. This research investigates two cohorts of teachers’ understanding of STEM and perceptions of what it means to be an innovative and transformative STEM leader in K-12 schools. Findings of this research show that teachers recognize the need for further integration of STEM into the core content areas for all students, the need for both school leaders and teachers to gain deeper understanding of STEM related fields, create a shared STEM vision for their campuses, make connections with expertise outside the classroom to support the schools, and foster interest in STEM within both the teachers and students. This research constructs a profile of what teachers who are aspiring school leaders perceive to be the knowledge and skills needed to move a campus toward excellence in STEM. The study highlights innovative practices for integrating and reinventing STEM education at all levels (K-12) so that it attracts, supports and sustains the participation of underrepresented minority students in their respective school districts and across the state.
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