Professional Development

STEM Educator Empowerment

The STEM Connection provides professional development to empower educators, youth workers, and caregivers by sharing STEM content knowledge, developing STEM practices, and building confidence to provide more meaningful STEM experiences for children. TSC STEM Educator Empowerment is offered as on-demand videos that can be viewed at your convenience. A PGP and CYC certificate is available upon completion of viewing a video The price is $10 per participant with school/district packages available.

2022-2023 Educator Empowerment Series

  • New content will be posted 6 times during the year, 1 new video in September, October, November, January, February, and March.
  • Topics for fall of 2022 include: Brilliant Books: Using Literature to Positively Impact STEM Learning, STEM and PBL Connect for Success, and The “M” in STEM.

2021-2022 Educator Empowerment Series

Best Practices for Outdoor Learning 
Spending time in nature has physical, emotional, and academic benefits for youth and adults. Outdoor learning refers to experiential learning opportunities in, for, or about the outdoors, including experiences that allow one to learn about and connect with the natural world. Join us to learn more about the benefits of and best practices for outdoor learning and begin planning how you can utilize outdoor learning spaces to positively impact the youth and families you serve. 
STEM Quick Wins 

STEM Quick Wins are quick and easy STEM activities that can be done at school, home, or other locations with easily accessible materials. This workshop is designed for educators, youth workers, caregivers, parents, administrators, and program directors to learn more about STEM Quick Wins – what they are, why they were created, and how they can be used to provide more STEM educational opportunities for kids.

STEM for Unique Needs Youth 

All youth deserve the opportunity to engage in quality STEM experiences. Join us to learn more about how to meet the varying unique needs of youth during STEM activities and opportunities. We will share information from experts and what we’ve learned while facilitating different STEM programs with youth of all ages, abilities, experiences, and needs.

STEM in Middle School 

Providing quality, integrated STEM experiences for middle school students is challenging but can provide so many benefits for students. Join us to learn more about the characteristics of great STEM experiences, practical ideas on how to incorporate STEM practices throughout all classes, and resources to help you implement a more well-rounded STEM program.

STEM & Social Emotional Learning 
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults learn self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and positive relationship and decision-making skills. Join us to learn more about connections between SEL and STEM and how SEL and STEM can be combined for student success. 
Using Unplugged Coding to Teach Computer Science 
The Indiana Strategic Plan for Computer Science Education in Indiana states “After June 30, 2021, every school in Indiana will include computer science in the school’s curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade 12.” Not all computer science education needs to be taught using electronic devices. Join us to learn more about how to implement computer science educational opportunities through the use of hands-on unplugged coding activities.
 

Interested in a TSC speaking engagement with your school or organization? Contact Angela Fitzgerald at afitzgerald@thestemconnection.org for more information.

Click here for TSC Vimeo-on-Demand

The training has excellent content and well-paced. Angela tailored the presentation to our needs and provided our teaching artists with useful materials that prompt further thinking on how to integrate the Arts in teaching STEM concepts. – Ploi Pagdalian, Senior Director of Programs, Arts for Learning

Pike Township has partnered with The STEM Connection for summer programming,  field trips, after-school clubs, STEM kit distribution, and professional development.  They continue to be thoughtful in meeting the needs of our students, teachers, and our community by offering rich, engaging opportunities in all that they do.  All staff is knowledgeable in STEM teaching and learning and goes above and beyond to make STEM education equitable.  – Erin Naylor, District STEM Coach at MSD Pike Township

The team at The STEM Connection immediately engaged all staff members in meaningful dialogue and activities that effectively created a sense of ownership in STEM education for all students. Through a series of realistic examples, our staff felt supported and encouraged to explore after the professional development experience. – Eric Schommer, Principal, St. Monica Catholic School

“The Webinar helped me become less anxious about practicing safe teaching and creating the correct environment for educating during Covid.”. – Webinar participant