Teacher Training By Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)released its report on K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The report included several recommendations. NSTA asked its members to respond to the PCAST recommendations. Here’s a couple key concerns the teachers had with the PCAST recommendations: Train us First, more important than recognition of the top 5% of STEM teachers is training. If you want STEM Master Teachers, then you need to train them with content, as well as pedagogical, professional development. Don’t Overlook “Diamonds in the Rough,” money is needed to educate current teachers and to encourage well-trained new teachers. Check out the PCAST report in NSTA reports here as well as what science teachers are saying about the PCAST report.