Research shows that implementing a culturally competent curriculum directly impacts student success.

Develop a Culturally Competent STEAM Curriculum

The studies are clear. A culturally competent curriculum engages students and enhances their success. It reflects a variety of student experiences and cultures during instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

At Project Scientist’s Teaching Institute, we partner with educators to help you create a culturally competent STEAM curriculum for your classroom, school, or program. The process is exciting and creative. Participants in our Teaching Institute discover how to define, implement, and integrate gender and racially equitable STEAM teaching strategies. These strategies can improve student outcomes and boost educator confidence.


University experts on culturally responsive math instruction from Lesley University and experts on racial equity from the WE ARE group lead hands-on workshops to engage and inspire educators to make an impact. Our Teaching Institute is supported by Hamline University. Teachers receive university credit or a stipend for workshop attendance.

Program Details

WHO:

SPPS and MPS K-3 Teachers who want to attend in-person; K-3 Teachers anywhere in the US who want to attend virtually.


WHERE:

  • Onsite at Hamline University and supporting STEAM locations
  • Virtually via Zoom

Applicants may receive a University Credit from Hamline


WHEN:

Virtual introduction and syllabus overview was recorded via Zoom on 1/21/23; 12p – 1p CST; applicants will have access to the recording


DATES:

  • 2/11/23 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CST – In-person workshop featuring WE ARE at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN LEARN MORE
  • 3/25/23 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. CST – Virtual catch-up session via Zoom
  • 4/29/23 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CST – In-person workshop featuring Lesley STEAM Labs. Location TBA.
  • 5/20/23 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. CST – Virtual catch-up session via Zoom
  • 6/3/23 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CST – In-person workshop featuring RWC, a SciGirls Partner. Location TBA.

Teaching Institute Workshop at Hamline University

Purpose: 

The purpose of this series of engagements is to provide racial and gender equity training, using an anti-racism framework, and professional development for Project Scientists teachers. 


Goals: 

By the end of our engagement participants will: 

  • Be able to recognize and challenge their own biases and microaggressions and move beyond individual bias to a structural and historical analysis of racism
  • Become more intentional and reflective in their lesson planning and development to incorporate more effective math strategies as STEM educators, to “encourage girls identify and challenge STEM stereotypes”
  • Implement increasingly more advanced culturally responsive strategies to foster the success of ALL their STEM students and “connect STEM experiences to girls’ lives”
  • Feel a sense of belonging in a community of practice focused on culturally responsive and equitable STEM teaching which incorporates effective math instruction, and “emphasize that STEM is collaborative, social and community oriented.” 


We look forward to seeing you there!

Areas of Focus

Math Strategies

Gender Equity

Racial Equity

Areas of Focus

Math Strategies

Gender Equity

Racial Equity

What will you learn?

During the Teaching Institute, you will:

Receive hands-on instruction in culturally responsive teaching strategies to support underrepresented student populations

Implement increasingly more advanced culturally responsive, equitable STEAM teaching strategies to foster the success of all your students.

Become more intentional and reflective in lesson planning and development to incorporate effective math strategies.

Feel a sense of belonging in a community of practice focused on culturally responsive and equitable STEAM teaching which incorporates effective math instruction.

Become a certified Project Scientist Teaching Institute Fellow

Teachers who successfully complete 10 one-hour courses from our online resource library, or attend all 3 of our workshops, will receive a Project Scientist Teaching Institute Certificate. They may also receive 24 CEUs or 1 College Semester Credit.

Impact STEAM belonging and equity for your students.

Graduates will know how to create a sense of belonging in STEAM and equity for all students, whether in the classroom or in out-of-school programs.

Increase STEAM confidence and interest.

Graduates will have new tools to increase student interest and confidence in STEAM, along with career awareness, exposure, and opportunities. Average class grade should increase by 5%. 

Gain more than just a certification.

Our goals also include a 30% increase in instructor confidence and a 30% increase in teacher- reported student confidence in STEAM subjects.  Teachers will also be able to measure an increase in students’ sense of belonging in STEAM subjects through pre- and post- ratings.

Graduates will have the opportunity to apply for jobs in Project Scientist programs.

The Teaching Institute is based on the latest research.

Herro, D., Quigley, C., & Cian, H. (2018). The challenges of STEAM instruction: Lessons from 

the field. Action in Teacher Education, 41(2), 172–190. https://doi.org/10.1080/01626620.2018.1551159 


English, L. D. (2017). Advancing elementary and middle school STEM education. International 

Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 15(S1), 5–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-017-9802-x 


Hammond, Z. L. (2014). Culturally responsive teaching and the brain: Promoting authentic engagement and rigor among culturally and linguistically diverse students (1st ed.) [E-book]. Corwin.

Apply to Teaching Institute

Join a community of teachers desiring to increase equity in education.

Project Scientist Teaching Institute is supported by

Cargill