On Wednesday, September 27th, the New York City Teq STEAM Committee—consisting of educators from Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens—met at the SMART Showroom to discuss the implementation of STEAM initiatives in their schools. 

The first meeting of the 2017-2018 introduced mostly new members to the group, and was hosted by Teq’s Chief Learning Officer, Robert Wayne Harris, and Teq’s Director of Curriculum and Content, Andrew Grefig. It was quickly discovered that, despite their various backgrounds and school locations, the struggles they face are very similar.  

To better understand the issues their schools face, and strategize how to address those issues, the committee participated in a guided group discussion. Below are some of their findings.   

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Issue 1: Technologies are not being used to their full potential 

For many of the members, it isn’t the lack of technology that is the issue, but rather the use of the technology. Although the technology is in the classroom (which is a great first step and something to celebrate!), for some, finding the time learn how to use the technology and successfully integrate it into their instruction is a huge hurdle.  

Strategy to Improve: Start a STEAM Initiative that Brings Together Admins and Teachers  

Although this may seem like our typical go-to answer, professional development is the key for a successful implementation of technology. Imagine handing a pen and piece of paper to someone who has never used either before, and telling them to write a letter. They have the tools they need, but not the skills. 

That said, if the decision makers in your school have limited classroom experience, or none at all, they may not fully appreciate the importance of professional development. To help bridge that gap between administrators and teachers, schools should start their own STEAM initiatives. Together, they can meet to work on achieving their desired goal, have a forum to discuss their needs, and work together to develop a plan.

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Issue 2: STEAM Concepts/Initiatives Feel Overwhelming  

Anyone who has worked in a classroom for an extended period of time has experienced trends in the focus of education. These trends are influenced by numerous factors including government administrations, advances in technology, and America’s ability to succeed in the Global Market. Although some trends have come and gone quickly, the focus on STEAM education is a trend that is here for the long run.  

The importance of STEAM education has been well documented for a number of years. As reported by the Huffington Post, “The US Department of Education reports that the number of STEM/STEAM jobs in the United States will grow by 14% from 2010 to 2020, growth which is that “much faster “than the national average of 5-8 % across all job sectors.”  

However, without students to fill those roles, America’s ability to produce and sustain a stable work force is jeopardized. (And that’s just one of the many reasons why STEAM Learning is important.)  

Solution: Find STEAM in Daily Activities 

For some, the pressure to get a STEAM initiative right on the first try is overwhelming, since the consequences of not executing a perfect program appear to be so dire. However, STEAM learning is everywhere, if we just open our eyes to see it.  

If we encourage students to approach problems with the mindset of a creator, they will naturally incorporate STEAM into any part of life. To help achieve that mindset, we need to teach our students how to be self-reliant. We can do this by teaching them hands-on skills, which include everything from sewing, to woodworking, to cooking. Through these everyday activities, students develop the skills to create. They learn about failure and learn how to adjust their strategy to find a solution. Through these hands-on skill-building activities, students can learn how to create their own solutions, and develop the perseverance that is necessary to approach larger STEAM concepts.  

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Issue 3: Struggling to Find Resources 

For some of our committee members, the struggle to find resources to implement a successful STEAM program is their greatest struggle. At a time where there appears to be an infinite number of blogs concerning the subject (*cough cough* like this one) the group agrees that nothing is as helpful as having conversations with others who have found success in their own STEAM programs.  

Solution: Find Ways to Connect with Fellow STEAM Educators 

For those of you in the New York area, you’re in luck. Teq has STEAM Committees for educators located in Long Island, Staten Island, and New York City, with plans to expand. 

Our committee connects educators with a wide-array of experience running their own STEAM programs. We bring together those who have found successful tools and strategies with educators just getting started. The committee shares ideas for classroom tools, connect each other to important people within in the STEAM community, and strategies to implement successful programs in their own schools. 

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STEAM Consulting Services 

Whether your school or district is far along in the process of building a STEAM program, or just starting out, Teq can help. Our expertise is solely not limited to the products we sell, we activitely do our research on all of the latest education technology available to educators. For information at how Teq Consulting services can help your school visit: Teq.com/steam/consulting-services/

Be a part of the team 

To continue the mission of STEAM integration, Teq’s STEAM Committees will meet every other month and is opening the door for more participants. The committee is looking for school administrators who are passionate about STEAM and would like to share their insight and expertise. 

To learn more about the Teq STEAM Committee and how to participate, email Nina Sclafani at NinaSclafani@teq.com.