LATEST NEWS & INFO Category: Teachers

Making real world connections to the lessons she teaches is a goal of the winner of the 2021 Excellence in STEM Teaching Award. Tammy Laughlin, media specialist at Circleville Elementary School, recently won the award from the Ohio STEM Learning Network. Laughlin teaches K-5 STEM/Technology. Examples of her lessons include artificial intelligence in robots, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, bridge design and construction, and 3D printing, all while using the engineering and design process. Her educational approach is centered on […]

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, schools across the Midwest can enroll in a free COVID-19 testing program. The newly launched Midwest Coordination Center (https://www.testedandprotected.org/) will pair schools with testing labs to deliver weekly screening results to schools and other organizations. The Midwest Coordination Center is managed by Battelle, which also manages the Ohio STEM Learning Network. Testing under the program is free, including sample collection supplies and shipping materials. Providing access to easy, reliable, and […]

High school teachers and staff face a daunting task trying to navigate the complexities of industry credentials and career ready pathways. Just getting started generates more questions than clear answers. Questions like “which pathways should we offer?”, “how do we prepare students to succeed in each pathway?”, “which vendor should we use for the credentials” and “how do we get students to earn 12 points in a single pathway?” challenge any school trying to implement industry credential programs. The Ohio […]

Agriculture is big business in Ohio. It is the number one industry in our state— contributing $128 billion annually to Ohio’s economy, and employing 1 in 8 Ohioans as of 2019.  It is important for Ohio students to understand the vast number and variety of job opportunities in the agriculture industry as they consider their future careers. Likewise, it is important for teachers to understand this too, as teachers are influential in helping students make decisions about careers. The Ohio […]

Today, we recognize four supporters of high-quality STEM education as leaders in providing experiences that inspire and educate the next generation of Ohio innovators. These dedicated educators go above and beyond to advance STEM education in our state. Nominations for the 2021 awards opened in February. Excellence in STEM Teaching Award The Excellence in STEM Teaching Award recognizes a teacher who exemplifies integrated, STEM-infused teaching strategies and classroom innovation, and whose work has led to positive student learning outcomes. This awardee […]

The pandemic has reshaped the way that Americans think about almost everything from business, to school, to shopping. Families, retailers, schools, and governments pivoted to persevere through a completely new experience. The pandemic had devastating effects from lives lost, social isolation, and economic upheaval. It also resulted in countless innovations and a renewed focus on equity, opportunity, and community. As we turn towards life in a post-pandemic society, we’re inspired by the immense possibilities that lie ahead to rebuild our […]

One of the key functions of the Ohio STEM Learning Network is to collect and share what’s working in STEM education. That includes how educators of all kinds respond to new challenges, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Early during the school closures, we issued a special report to help schools make successful shifts to online learning. Every school made changes to react to the pandemic. From online learning to altered cafeteria schedules, educators rethought every piece of the […]

Priority applications close April 30th for the Ohio’s next cohort of educators trained to teach Computer Science Discoveries and Computer Science Principles from Code.org. This program, delivered through the Ohio STEM Learning Network, is an intensive, year-long learning experience for middle and high school educators. Below, read Ottawa teacher Cody Vennekotter’s letter on how the program and course impacted students in Ottawa, Ohio and his teaching experience. Learn about scholarships and apply here.   Greetings to all. My name is […]

We know it’s a busy time for Ohio educators. That’s why we’re giving you a few more weeks to recognize a phenomenal STEM educator in your building. Applications for our 2021 OSLN STEM Excellence Awards will be accepted through April 25! The STEM Excellence Awards will recognize a phenomenal teacher, school or district administrator, and an outstanding advocate for STEM education. Help us find the trailblazers in your community who are expanding access to quality STEM education. The STEM Excellence […]

The Manufacturing and Engineering Externship Program (MEEP) is back! Educators should apply now to join a cohort experience running summer through fall of 2021. MEEP seeks to address the growing STEM skills gap in the manufacturing and engineering sectors by engaging Ohio teachers in paid summer externships with local companies in STEM industries. This program is funded by a grant from the Office of Naval Research. Looking for the inside scoop on the program? Before joining the staff of the Tennessee […]