Teaching STEM Means Teaching Differently: This eBook Explains How

There’s no question that our kids need STEM to develop the skills needed for their future jobs. It’s no surprise that STEM is a big opportunity for teachers as we see the government prioritize funding for STEM programs  and schools eagerly recruit teachers that have this unique skillset. Until recently, STEM was offered as an elective or a curriculum enhancement. Now, as schools move towards more project-based and interdisciplinary learning, STEM is no longer a “nice to have.” So what does it take to become a STEM teacher? Thanks to our friends at Western Governors University, we’ve got the answer! They’ve put together a new ebook that provides an overview of the next big teaching opportunity: What Is Stem Teaching and Is It Right For You? 

Today’s students need STEM

The ways we teach and students learn are changing rapidly and for good reason. According to a 2016 World Economic Forum report, 65% of children entering elementary school today will work in jobs that don’t yet exist. To get our kids ready for their future, we need to use technology to teach them flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This is why there is a high demand for teachers who have a unique and specialized skill set: STEM teaching. STEM teachers are trained specifically to teach students the skills they need to be future ready. Learning how to teach STEM is the next big opportunity for teachers. 

A STEM teacher is an interdisciplinary teacher

If you are a lifelong lover of math, science, or technology, STEM teaching is for you. When you teach STEM, you don’t teach subjects in isolation, but weave them throughout students’ learning. STEM teachers use project-based learning to challenge students to find solutions for tomorrow’s problems. STEM teaching is the next big opportunity because STEM teachers are trained in PBL and interdisciplinary practices. 

Solving problems is the backbone of STEM teaching

In STEM teaching, the process of learning is more important than the product. Because problem solving is at the heart of STEM, you will model the importance of asking questions. Then, you will encourage thoughtful observation. Finally, students use data to design and create solutions. Every day will look different in your classroom. That’s why this type of teaching is exciting and challenging: you grow alongside your students. 

The future looks bright for STEM teachers

The data speaks for itself: STEM teachers are in high demand! Efforts are underway to recruit and train a new generation of STEM teachers. Check out 100Kin10 to learn more. You won’t have to worry about finding a teaching job if you have a STEM teacher’s unique skill set.

There’s a teaching degree for this

If you are excited about the possibility of STEM teaching, WGU offers competency-based teacher certification programs. You can move quickly through as you demonstrate mastery. Fit school into your busy life with convenient, affordable, and flexible options. Download the eBook and take your first step in your STEM teaching journey. 

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