Empowering Educators: STEM Leaders Forge New Paths at ISU

The Idaho STEM Action Center's i-STEM summer professional institute, themed "STEM Leaders: Launching a STEM Identity," gathered 85 K-12 educators for an intense, hands-on learning experience designed to bring STEM education to life.

Over the course of four days, educators immersed themselves in workshops where they learned to build electronic amplifiers, enhance their mathematics teaching techniques, and develop innovative STEM curricula. These hands-on projects weren't just about acquiring new skills — they were about igniting a passion for STEM that teachers can pass on to their students.

The event featured powerful keynote addresses that underscored the importance of STEM in today's world. Eleanor Taylor, Cybercore Program Manager at Idaho National Laboratory, highlighted the critical need for cybersecurity education. Meanwhile, Lindsey Spalding, Director of Workforce Development at the National Center for Simulation, spoke about the essential role of networking and resources in cultivating a high-tech STEAM workforce.

"This event has been a tremendous success in providing our educators with the tools and inspiration they need to foster a strong STEM identity among their students," said Corinne Koelsch, Director of STEM and Industry Relations at the ISU College of Technology. "We are proud to support the professional growth of our teachers and ultimately enhance STEM education in our region."

This impactful event was made possible through the support of the Idaho STEM Action Center, which continues to champion STEM initiatives at the ISU College of Technology and across the state. Their dedication ensures that educators are not only prepared but inspired to lead their students into a future rich with STEM opportunities.