CWU partners with Pacific Education Institute on STEM teacher training program

Central Washington University’s STEM Leadership master’s program and the Pacific Education Institute (PEI) came together last winter in hopes of revolutionizing STEM education through immersive, place-based learning experiences. 

Drs. Emilie Hancock and Mark Oursland of CWU and PEI Associate Director Megan Rivard spearheaded the project, which represents a shared commitment to advancing STEM education across Washington state.

As described in a recent press release, PEI is seeking to expand the network of place-based educators across the state, while CWU Teach STEM is interested in equipping educators with cutting-edge practices they can utilize in STEM education.

The collaboration between PEI and CWU culminated in the design of a groundbreaking course titled “STEM Networking Leadership Seminar.”

PEI identified FieldSTEM Teacher Leaders renowned for their expertise in place-based education and deep community connections, and CWU focused on enlisting educators who are eager to explore innovative teaching methodologies.

This spring, CWU’s STEM Leadership master’s program unveiled the course, inviting educators to experience place-based learning for themselves. Participants interviewed FieldSTEM Teacher Leaders, exploring projects that combined STEM coursework with real-world applications.

One of the FieldSTEM Teacher Leaders interviewed was Sarah Wiesner, who teaches “Ecology of the Okanogan,” a dual-credit class at Okanogan High School through CWU’s College in the High School program.

“When you’re the only one teaching a topic, it’s nice to have a community partner to plan with so you can make sure things are relevant,” Weisner noted.

Weisner and the other participants emerged from the course with an enhanced understanding of teaching methodologies that promote engagement, career readiness, and local relevance.

“Networking with community partnerships that have in-depth backgrounds on certain topics is key,” Weisner said. “I become a facilitator, bringing an expert to the students — who, in turn, brings the most knowledge to the kids.”

Armed with newfound knowledge, educators departed the course with a renewed passion to align their curricula with local issues.

Learn more about this innovative new partnership on the Pacific Education Institute website.