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  • STEM Focus Schools for the Future

STEM Focus Schools for the Future

*Application deadline has passed for this year. Check back in January for an application update.*

STEM Focus Schools for the Future is a professional learning program designed for K-8 schools who are interested in integrating STEM learning school-wide. The purpose is to assist Arizona public schools to develop a more STEM-literate workforce by building school capacity to design and implement effective STEM instruction. 

The program will be delivered synchronously online using the Zoom platform and the Google suite of tools. Therefore, reliable internet, web cam, and a Google account are required for participation. Site visits from CSTL personnel may occur in person.

Implementation Plan Accordion Closed

The program implementation plan aligns with research-based best practices for professional learning and STEM education. The four pillars of the program include: 

  1. STEM School Systemic Change –  Each school will identify a leadership team consisting of an administrator, four teachers from the school, and a community partner (e.g. a local food bank) to participate in the program to facilitate long term and sustainable school change.  School leadership teams will receive 100 hours of professional learning.
  2. STEM Teacher Academy – Of the four teachers on the leadership team, two will be enrolled in the Academy. They will become experts in STEM instruction and planning and will receive a certificate documenting their professional learning experiences. 
  3. STEM Assessment – Leadership teams will engage with existing STEM teaching protocols and develop their own STEM teaching assessment for use at their school. Student level STEM assessments will also be examined. Schools will decide on the types of data they will collect to inform their continued growth as a STEM school. These data will be managed in a STEM school portfolio.
  4. STEM Schools Mentors – Past STEM Focus School teachers and administrators will work with CSTL project staff to continually improve the program and will advise the current schools’ leadership teams.

Implementation Timeline Accordion Closed

The program will be delivered synchronously online using the Zoom platform and the Google suite of tools. Therefore, reliable internet, web cam, and a Google account are required for participation. Site visits from CSTL personnel may occur in person.

Spring 2022

  • Saturday, April 23, 2022
  • Saturday, May 21, 2022

Summer 2022

  • Monday-Wednesday, July 11-13 and Saturday, August 6

Fall 2022

  • Site visit by CSTL program staff (Dates TBD)
  • Four Saturdays of professional learning for your leadership team: August 13, September 24, October 29 and December 3, 2022
  • Two hours of virtual meetings with school leadership teams (Dates TBD)

Spring 2023

    • Four Saturdays of professional learning for your leadership team: January 28, February 11, March 25 and May 6, 2023.
    • Two hours of virtual meetings with school leadership teams (Dates TBD)
    • Two school site visits by CSTL program staff (Dates TBD)

Compensation/Reimbursements (for grant-funded schools only) Accordion Closed

  • Participants will receive $125 per day during non-contract times.  
  • Participating schools will receive $500 to assist with becoming STEM focused. 

Additional Support for Schools (for grant-funded schools only)       Accordion Closed

  • Access to a resource lending program (e.g. Engineering is Elementary kits)
  • Technical support for one year.
  • A banner to display at your school announcing your participation in the program
  • Opportunity to network, share resources, and learn with other STEM focused schools across Arizona.

Eligibility and Requirements

The program is supported through both the Arizona Public Service (APS) Foundation and Phoenix Suns Charities. Eligibility for the grant-funded program is dependent on the funding agency. 

Priority will be given to schools that serve student populations traditionally underrepresented in STEM professions (African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Latinos).

Schools must apply online. Selection will be made through a competitive process. CSTL staff will review applications, identify successful teams, and notify them of their school’s acceptance in March, 2022.

Selected schools will be required to obtain signed statements of commitment to participate in all aspects of the program from four teacher-leaders, one administrator, a leading representative from a community partner organization and a district level representative.  

APS Eligibility

  • Schools must be located in the APS service area

Phoenix Suns Charities Eligibility

  • Schools must be located in school districts within the city of Phoenix:

Alhambra Elementary School District

Balsz Elementary School District

Cartwright Elementary School District

Creighton Elementary School District

Fowler Elementary School District

Isaac Elementary School District

Kyrene Elementary School District

Laveen Elementary School District

Littleton Elementary School District

Madison Elementary School District

Murphy Elementary School District

Osborn Elementary School District

Pendergast Elementary School District

Phoenix Elementary School District

Riverside Elementary School District

Roosevelt Elementary School District

Tempe Elementary School District

Tolleson Elementary School District

Union Elementary School District

Washington Elementary School District

Wilson Elementary School District

Please contact Kenric Kesler with questions about this great opportunity. 928-523-0929/Kenric.Kesler@nau.edu

Center for Science Teaching and Learning
Location
Room 210 Building #20
Science Annex
525 S. Beaver St.
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Mailing Address
PO Box 5697
Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Email
cstl@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-7160
Fax
(928) 523-7953
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