Program Overview
The STEM Leadership program is a 48-credit degree designed for current teachers to become STEM leaders in their communities. The program emphasizes authentic assessment, project-based learning, and culturally responsive teaching. It offers flexible, mostly online programming with in-person seminars, allowing participants to complete the program in as little as two years. Graduates are prepared for careers in STEM education, including leadership roles such as STEM teachers, department chairs, and district coordinators.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The STEM Leadership program is a 48-credit degree that offers current teachers an opportunity to become STEM leaders in their community. The program offers flexible, mostly online programming that allows participants to become part of a connected network of educators, industry partners, and community members interested in preparing the next generation of STEM learners. Coursework emphasizes concepts including authentic assessment, project-based learning, and culturally responsive teaching. Students will also complete a master's project exploring a topic relevant to their context.
- Objectives: The objectives of the STEM Leadership program are to:
- Prepare teachers to be effective leaders in STEM education
- Develop teachers' knowledge and skills in STEM content and pedagogy
- Foster teachers' leadership skills in collaboration, communication, and advocacy
- Prepare teachers to create and implement innovative STEM programs and initiatives
Outline:
- Content: The STEM Leadership program is divided into four categories of courses:
- Education Foundation Courses (19 credits)
- STEM Pedagogy Courses (10 credits)
- STEM Leadership Courses (6 credits)
- Content Courses (12 credits)
- Structure: The program is designed to be flexible and accessible to working teachers. Most courses are offered online, with brief in-person seminars held throughout the program. Students can complete the program in as little as two years.
- Course Schedule: The course schedule for the STEM Leadership program is as follows:
- Year 1
- Fall Quarter
- EDF 507 - Studies and Problems in Intercultural Education
- STP 501 - Designing Authentic STEM Explorations for Diverse Learners
- Winter Quarter
- EDF 510 - Educational Research and Development
- STP 502 - Designing and Implementing STEM Problem-Based Instruction
- Spring Quarter
- EDF Elective
- STP 503 - Making STEM Learning Environments that are Culturally Responsive
- Year 2
- Fall Quarter
- EDF Elective
- STP 504 - Designing and Implementing STEM Project-Based Instruction
- Winter Quarter
- EDF 700 – Master's Thesis, Project Study, and/or Examination
- STP 505 - Reflective Teaching to Increase Student Success in STEM
- Spring Quarter
- STEM Leadership Course
- Content Course
- Individual Modules: The STEM Leadership program includes the following individual modules:
- Education Foundation Courses
- EDF 507 - Studies and Problems in Intercultural Education
- EDF 510 - Educational Research and Development
- EDF Electives
- EDF 700 – Master's Thesis, Project Study, and/or Examination
- STEM Pedagogy Courses
- STP 501 - Designing Authentic STEM Explorations for Diverse Learners
- STP 502 - Designing and Implementing STEM Problem-Based Instruction
- STP 503 - Making STEM Learning Environments that are Culturally Responsive
- STP 504 - Designing and Implementing STEM Project-Based Instruction
- STP 505 - Reflective Teaching to Increase Student Success in STEM
- STEM Leadership Courses
- STP 506 – STEM Leadership Through Peer Mentoring and Coaching
- STP 507 – STEM Networking Leadership Seminars
- Content Courses
- MATH 508 – Number Theory
- MATH 509 – Proportional Reasoning and Algebraic Functions
- MATH 507 – Transformational Geometry
- MATH 511 – Statistics: Interpreting the World Through Data
- MATH 512 – Functions and Modeling
- MATH 513 – Calculus for Secondary Teachers
- MATH 514 – Geometry for the Modern World
- SCED 520 – Makerspaces for STEM Teachers
- SCED 530 – Coding for Teachers
- SCED 595 – Individual Research Project with CWU Scientist
Assessment:
Assessment in the STEM Leadership program is based on a variety of methods, including:
- Course assignments
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Projects
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Master's thesis or project
Teaching:
The STEM Leadership program is taught by a team of experienced educators who are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. The faculty includes both full-time and part-time instructors who have expertise in STEM content and pedagogy, as well as leadership development. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Workshops
- Simulations
- Field experiences
- Online learning
Careers:
Graduates of the STEM Leadership program are prepared for a variety of careers in STEM education, including:
- STEM teachers
- STEM department chairs
- STEM district coordinators
- STEM classroom coaches
- STEM instructional leaders
- STEM curriculum developers
- STEM professional development providers
