Professional Development Resources for STEM Teachers

STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teachers need to continue their education and use professional development to stay current on the latest evolutions in teaching strategies.

Several professional organizations offer continuing education courses and professional development courses for STEM teachers. Interested teachers can begin their search for classes and teaching materials with the ones listed below.

National Science Foundation (NSF)

The NSF has a plethora of resources available for teacher development. Courses are available in both science and math. Teachers can choose courses geared for the specific grade level they teach. Many classes help teachers learn new teaching methods and strategies; others show how to work with their students.

For example, one course for teachers shows how to teach physics by the inquiry method. Another course shows teachers how to help students use science “snackbooks” to condense and reproduce science projects and exhibits found in famous museums.

The site includes a link teachers to share with students to help them discover possible STEM careers. Other courses provide links to other student interactive websites.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

The NCTM offers a variety of programs for the professional development of math teachers. It has online classes as well as workshops and seminars. Several conferences throughout the year cover all areas of math.

NCTM also sells books for professional development on multiple topics, including all areas of mathematics. Here are a few examples:.

• “Mathematics in a STEM Context” designed for teachers of middle school students.
• “Teaching Mathematics in a Flat World” designed for teachers of elementary school students.
• An eBook for teachers of all grades titled “5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussion.”

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

The NSTA Learning Center website has a series of “Reflection Guides” to help STEM teachers with professional development.