STEM education has become an important aspect of the modern economy where the demand for skilled and culturally diverse scientists, engineers, technicians and STEM educators is crucial to maintain a competitive edge in the global economy. As many other states, Illinois currently faces a shortage of qualified STEM teachers, especially those who are underrepresented in STEM. Thus, increasing the participation of Hispanic students in STEM secondary education programs will help address the need not only for highly qualified STEM teachers, but also for culturally responsive and bilingual educators who serve as role models so students could envision themselves as professionals in the STEM disciplines. Aurora University, a Hispanic Serving Institution in Illinois, is currently developing and implementing strategies to promote STEM secondary education as a viable and rewarding career path among students in the disciplines of biology, chemistry and mathematics. The strategies are targeted to faculty and students alike, and include the establishment of a STEM Advisory Panel to develop collaborations across relevant institutions, application of surveys to gain insights into perceptions of teaching, events to promote STEM secondary education and events to increase retention and graduation of current STEM students. Results from the implementation of the activities and future plans will be presented.

STEM secondary education as a viable and rewarding career path

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.