STEM is at the heart of Washington’s economy. From agriculture to manufacturing, engineering and computer science, it’s important to prepare our Washington students for Washington jobs. Access and opportunity are key to a quality STEM education that provides students with the ability to pursue some of the most in-demand jobs in Southwest Washington. There is a huge need for Washington students in our STEM job market.
As Career and Technical Education Director, I see the value in a Project-Based Learning model from a kindergarten through 12th-grade perspective. When I see students learning in our CTE programs, I know project-based, hands-on learning works by creating awareness and interest while providing an understanding of the available careers in the world of STEM.
I’ve been fortunate to work with LASER, or Leadership Assistance for Science Education Reform, on strategic planning for STEM and how we, as a district, can holistically support our students and teachers. Together with LASER, we have gathered representatives from primary through high school, and from general education and CTE to make sure that as we provide a quality project-based STEM education program for our students, we can do so collaboratively and with intention.
