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KEY POINTS
- Know the importance of STEM professional development.
- Stay up-to-date with popular STEM organizations.
- Collaborate and communicate with other STEM educators.
Cultivating the best environment for STEM teaching is crucial for both students and instructors, both in terms of physical and informational resources. Given that STEM education is a constantly evolving field, the importance of professional development opportunities for teachers is especially important. Though often a challenge, taking time out of the classroom for professional development is vital for any STEM education program to thrive.
WHY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
Professional development is a way for educators to expand their knowledge base on relevant subjects and enhance their teaching techniques. It often consists of training, conferences, further education, or community discussion. Regardless of the format, professional development is key to keeping teachers up-to-date on the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance their classroom environment with updated curriculum standards and technology. Without this opportunity, teachers can fall behind and their students often suffer the consequences.
KEEPING UP WITH STEM OPPORTUNITIES
One of the most valuable resources in STEM professional development is simply staying knowledgeable about changes in the STEM community. Staying on top of STEM news and trends via schools and community organizations is incredibly helpful and can create opportunities like in-person training. Typically, these types of sessions can allow attendees to dig deeper into STEM standards and facilitate communication among educators in the form of conferences and workshops.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
While attending in-person events can facilitate communication, it is also beneficial to network with educators who focus on similar subjects within your school system. Discussions can easily begin through social media, email, or convenient face-to-face interactions. Regardless of the means, sharing materials and lesson plan ideas among peers is sure to bring more excitement and engagement to your classroom for both instructor and student. No matter what you choose, taking the time for professional development can benefit your classroom greatly.
