The Penn State College of Education's Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS) has announced the 27 members selected for the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps, a program made possible by a $5 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) National STEM Teacher Corps Regional Alliance Pilot Program.
Members were selected through a rigorous, multi-step process. From a pool of 73 applicants across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and West Virginia, candidates submitted comprehensive applications and letters of reference from professional colleagues. The project team at each partner institution - Penn State, The College of New Jersey and West Virginia University - reviewed applications and conducted interviews for applicants in their respective state.
The group chosen is comprised of educators who have demonstrated excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teaching, a commitment to professional growth and the potential to serve as leaders in elementary STEM education within their schools, districts and communities.
"Elementary teachers are uniquely positioned to shape how young learners see themselves in science and engineering, yet they are too often overlooked in conversations about STEM education," said CSATS director Kathy Hill. "The STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps changes that. Through this partnership with West Virginia University and the College of New Jersey, we are recognizing 27 outstanding educators who are already doing exceptional work and providing them with the support, resources, and professional community to become leaders in elementary STEM education across the Mid-Atlantic region."
Over the course of four years, members will engage in an intensive and comprehensive professional development experience. Each summer, members will travel to attend a five-day, in-person institute focused on cutting-edge science and engineering content and pedagogy, with all travel expenses covered by the program.
Throughout the year, they will participate in monthly virtual professional development sessions and implement provided curriculum and resources in their classrooms. Beyond their own professional growth, members will serve as leaders and advocates for elementary STEM education by co-leading workshops for fellow educators, hosting annual STEM events for their school communities and presenting at state and national conferences as well as to local school boards and preservice teachers.
Members will attend a national convening in Washington, D.C., hosted by NSF. To amplify their impact, members will build a professional social media presence highlighting the importance of K-5 STEM education and will collaborate with educators beyond the program to promote science learning across their schools, districts and regions.
The 27 selected teachers - nine each from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and West Virginia - are below.
STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps
Pennsylvania
- Evan Basham, 5th grade teacher, Oil City Area School District
- Nicole Birkbeck, K-5 teacher, Council Rock School District
- Emily Book, K-5 teacher, Greenwood School District
- Jeremiah Friday, K-5 teacher, Seneca Valley School District
- Jen Gossert, K-5 teacher, Conrad Weiser Area School District
- Kristen Landers, K-5 teacher, Redbank Valley School District
- Jennifer Mooney, 5th grade teacher, Chambersburg Area School District
- Sara Rossman, K-5 teacher, Saint Theresa School
- Bob Walters, 5th grade teacher, Laurel Highlands School District
New Jersey
- Peter Beck, K-5 teacher, Princeton Public Schools
- Regina Cherill, 3-5 teacher, Oak Knoll School
- Melissa Cooke, 2-3 teacher, Village School in Holmdel
- Lesha Griggs, 5th grade teacher, Passaic Public Schools
- Meredith Harrison, 3-5 teacher, Pace Charter School of Hamilton, New Jersey
- Shinese Harvey, K-5 teacher, Indian Avenue School
- Lynn Prosen, K-4 teacher, Gill St. Bernard's School
- Holly Romahn, 4th grade teacher, Hardyston Township Elementary School
- Julianne Romanella, 5th grade teacher, Alexandria Township School
West Virginia
- Mystee Branble-Ansari, 5th grade teacher, Tomahawk Intermediate School
- Cynthia Brown, 5th grade teacher, Roane County Schools
- Nellie Cottle, 3-5 teacher, Monroe County Schools
- Faith Harper, 3-5 teacher, Little Birch Elementary School
- Rachel Kellar, 2nd grade teacher, Marion County Schools
- Tracey Lea, 2nd grade teacher, North Elementary School
- Tiffany Pace, K-5 teacher, Cross Lanes Elementary School
- Heather Puglisi, 2nd grade teacher, Ohio County Schools
- Jennifer Scott, 1-5 teacher, Fayetteville PK-8
"These 27 teachers bring a wealth of experience and a deep belief in the potential of every child to engage in meaningful science and engineering learning," said Stephanie Klixbull, elementary STEM specialist for CSATS. "I am excited to work alongside them over the next four years and to see the ripple effect as they lead workshops, mentor colleagues, and inspire their communities to invest in elementary STEM education."
The commitment from both the teachers and the program reflects the shared goal of elevating elementary STEM education and creating a lasting impact for students, educators and communities across the Mid-Atlantic region.
