Introduction to Teaching STEM in Rural Public Schools

Navigation Links:

• ETAP 623 Spring 2023 (Zhang)
• Sarah Stolberg's Portfolio Page
• Taking a Strengths-Based Approach to Teaching STEM in Rural Schools
• Unit 2: Deficit versus Strengths-Based Approaches to Teaching
• Unit 3: Implementing Strengths-Based Teaching
• Unit 4: Moving Forward: The Application of this Work

Introduction

Are you a teacher of a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math)? Do you also happen to be a teacher in a rural school district? If you answer yes to either, but especially both, of these questions, this mini-course pertains to you. If you answered no to these questions, you are urged to follow along to learn about obstacles your fellow teachers face, why rural students matter in STEM education, and about how you can take on a strengths-based approach to teaching whatever it is you teach!

Before we jump into this unit, take a few seconds to fill out anything you know or want to know about STEM education in rural schools on our shared Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QVNQkJi9XRDppeyoSB8pqZKXSV7gGjE2Zldb0bjPAOE/edit?usp=sharing

Learning Targets

By the end of this unit, you will be able to...

🎯 Identify common barriers to STEM education in rural schools

🎯 Explain why teaching STEM in rural schools if often discussed in a negative way

Lesson 1: Obstacles Rural Schools Face

First step - why is teaching in rural schools different than teaching in urban or suburban schools? Click the link to Lesson 1: Obstacles Rural Schools Face to find out.

Lesson 2: Importance of STEM in Rural Schools

Why does STEM education matter? Follow along to find out in Lesson 2: Importance of STEM in Rural Schools.