When I was a classroom teacher, I relished opportunities to connect my high school biology students to real world science and applications of their textbook science. Now, in the informal sector, I find my role reversed, and I get to collaborate with classroom teachers and local districts, supporting their efforts to help STEM come alive.  The science classroom, the administration office, local industry, the informal sector – these are all parts of the STEM ecosystem, and, as with any ecosystem, each component plays a key role! That’s why at this year’s STEM Forum, we’re offering a new strand — Building STEM Ecosystems: Community Partnerships. This strand will highlight effective partnerships and collaborations between community, business/industry, museums, zoos, gardens and technology centers, afterschool programs, homeschool groups and education-focused entities with preK–16 schools and universities and home school groups. This strand will support teachers, informal institutions, community representatives and school administrators. We’ll explore how district leaders have effectively leveraged external support for STEM programs within their schools or districts. 

I look forward to your examples of contributing to a healthy STEM ecosystem, and to seeing you at the 2019 STEM Forum July 24—26 in San Francisco!

The 8th Annual STEM Forum & Expo, hosted by NSTA, is a unique, focused event that brings together (informal and formal) educators and representatives from exhibiting companies who are interested in, and who have tools and resources to share that will ensure successful implementation of STEM education into our schools and communities. It is intended to provide resources for educators and organizations seeking to learn more about STEM education, associated outreach programs, partnerships, schools, and curricula.

Future NSTA Conferences

2019 National Conference
St. Louis, April 11–14

2019 STEM Forum & Expo
San Francisco, July 24–26

The mission of NSTA is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

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