Coalition Hosts Congressional Briefing on Science Educator Challenges

Written By Caroline McKinney

On Tuesday, February 13, the STEM Education Coalition hosted a congressional briefing on “Challenges for Today’s Science Educators.”

The briefing painted a picture of the challenges facing the science educators
in schools and out-of-school time programs from a recruitment, retention, and classroom and
professional life perspective. Panelists shared how science educators play a crucial role in the educational
development of students and contribute significantly to shaping the future – and to supporting
long-term U.S. economic competitiveness. They also discussed the impacts of federal policies relative to educator supply, accountability, and professional development and the implications for the post-pandemic learning environment.

Panelists included:

  • Dr. Heidi Schweingruber, Director for Board on Science Education at National of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine

  • Peter McLaren, Executive Director, Next Gen Education, LLC

  • Leslie Brooks, STEM Hub Manager, Afterschool Alliance

  • Kimberly Hughes, Director, UTeach Institute at the University of Texas at Austin

  • Dr. Florentia Spires, STEM Instructional Leader, Prince George’s County, Maryland

  • James Brown, Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition (Moderator)

Presentation slides below.

Caroline McKinney
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