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7th Delaware STEM Educator Awards
November 4, 2021 • 4PM - 6PM
Join Us! As we reveal the 7th Delaware STEM Educator Award Winners!
Delaware STEM Educator Awards recognize certified teachers and community educators
who demonstrate STEM innovation and excellence
through teaching, academic collaboration, and student engagement.
Our sponsors, elected officials, and hosts will preside over awards honoring winners at the
Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) levels,
the Community Award, the Jon Manon Educator Award and others!
Guest Speakers
Bethany Hall-Long, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware
Susan Bunting, Secretary of Education, Delaware Department of Education
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Advanced registration is required for this FREE virtual event. You will receive a zoom invitation. |
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Recapping the 3rd Annual
Delaware Math and STEM Equity Conferences
“Powerful Moments: Equity In and Out of the Classroom”
The STEM and Math Equity Conferences, a two-day series of virtual professional development sessions, was held October 8-9, following the immense success of last year’s conferences.
This year continued to build upon the body of work to address STEM equity in the state and beyond, an initiative which the Delaware STEM Council launched in 2019. The Council has since sought to preserve a forum where these complex yet necessary conversations can be shared, particularly in the virtual era of COVID-19.
Math Equity Conference Day 1 breakout sessions featured over 28 mathematics educators and leaders who provided insight, facilitated discussions, and, alongside participants, closely examined themes including “Addressing Systemic Equity Challenges;” “Promoting Equitable Teaching in the Mathematics Classroom;” and “Empowering Leaders: Supporting Access to Deeper Learning for All” and others.
STEM Equity Conference Day 2 offered a series of four discussions featuring experts, practitioners, and advocates from across the state, one of them being Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, a life-long and fervent champion of STEM, who continues support for the Equity Conferences.
“There’s nothing more important that we can do than to educate our young minds about the potential of STEM. With the STEM work that we are doing in Delaware,
I am touched by how much we are making a difference.”
– Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long
The conference weekend concluded with a selection of workshop and discussion topics, including fostering inclusion, diversity, and community in the classroom; the role of data science in school mathematics; and panelists exploring the M in STEM - rethinking and reframing mathematics skills for the future Delaware STEM workforce.
The event was made possible thanks to major sponsors Labware, Heinemann, the American Chemical Society (ACS) Delaware Local Section, and Science Is Fun, along with Bloom Energy, Delmarva Power, Delaware Afterschool Network (DEAN), DuPont, and Verizon.
In addition to the Delaware STEM Council, the conferences represent a collaborative effort between the Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME), the Delaware Math Coalition (DMC), and the Forum to Advance Minorities in Engineering (FAME Inc.).
Didn’t get to attend the Conferences? A few highlights are included below.
To read the full Equity Conferences 2021 article by Jan Castro, click here.
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Oct 8 Featured Speaker Recap
Dr. Michael Flynn, Mt. Holyoke College
“Powerful Moments in Math Class:
Redefining Mathematical Identities and
Creating Positive Memorable Experiences
for All Learners”
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In his address, Flynn explored strategies to create memorable learning experiences and identity-defining moments through the lens of mathematics education.
“As teachers and teacher leaders, we want our lessons and learning experiences to leave long-lasting impressions on those with whom we work,” Flynn said. “We want to empower those with whom we work with a belief that they too are math capable. When we understand the psychology behind memories, learning, and identity, we can leverage that knowledge to design powerful moments for adults and students alike.”
Resources from Michael Flynn:
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Oct 9 Featured Speaker Recap
Dr. Jo Boaler
“The Role of Data Science
in School Mathematics
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Dr. Jo Boaler, professor of mathematics at Stanford University and noted author, shared her bold research about the importance and emergence of data science being incorporated across classes including math, science, statistics, and computers for K-12 education. Currently working at local and national levels, she emphasized how the data revolution has transformed modern life and that it’s time we bring data literacy to our education system.
“If our schools are to succeed in preparing data-literate citizens, then they will have to begin by rethinking the K-12 mathematics curriculum,” Boaler said. “It won’t be sufficient just to add a new unit or two to the existing course of study. If we’re serious about giving meaningful attention to data science, that should prompt us to ask a fundamental question: In the 21st century, what kinds of mathematics do our students actually need to learn?”
Boaler concluded with the concept that expanding the mathematics pathway to include data science will expand access to mathematics that prepares students to answer important and relevant questions.
Resources from Jo Boaler:
Data Talks with Jo Boaler Video
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Oct 9 STEM Collaborative Session Recap
Dr. Bassam Shakashiri and Delaware STEM Queen Jackie Means
“A Conversation in Science”
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On Day 2, a special encounter transpired between two prominent science communicators, public figures, and trailblazers. Dr. Bassam Shakhashiri, a professor, chemist, former ACS president, and host of his own seasonal PBS special, met with Jackie Means, the founder of the Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative and a sophomore medical diagnostics major at the University of Delaware.
Surrounded by flasks and test tubes filled with colorful liquids and bubbling dry ice, Shakhashiri exhibited a series of scientific demonstrations to illustrate and discuss with Means the inherent fun in science and STEM education.
“The language in which we speak about what we’re doing and what we’re teaching is really important, especially with kids,” Means said. “It is important how we talk about STEM because that’s how kids will develop and interpret things for the rest of their lives. Hopefully, they will keep that positive STEM connotation as they think about careers as they grow.”
The conversion between Shakhashiri and Means further meditated on the power of engaging students and individuals by connecting their natural curiosities and scientific inquiries with the larger picture of society and daily life, consequently imbuing such connections with lasting meaning and inspiration, an impact that can be had both in the classroom and beyond.
“We have an awesome responsibility to teach our students very important skills,” Shakhashiri said. “But more important than anything else is our responsibility to convey an attitude about the nature of science, and the beauty of engaging in scientific explorations.”
Resources from Bassam Shakhashiri and Jackie Means:
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Oct 9 STEM Equity Session Recap
“Tools for Fostering an Inclusive
and Diverse Classroom Community”
Recognizing Microaggressions
and the Messages they Send
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Lakia Belcher, Director of Education & Strategic Outreach at FAME, presented practical nuggets that help educators tap into diverse student backgrounds while building equity in the classroom. Belcher talked candidly about how to recognize and overcome one’s microaggressions. Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages. Belcher shared examples of how to acknowledge and avoid microaggressions in an effort to strengthen a more equitable classroom and beyond.
To learn more about microagressions and examples, click here.
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Register Now
Delaware Pathways Conference
December 7-8, 2021
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Join us for the virtual Delaware Pathways Conference on December 7-8. Delaware Pathways will explore, feature, and celebrate progress in the development of a statewide career pathways system that values student identity and empowers young people to enroll in higher levels of education and pursue competitive employment.
The conference will highlight students, educators, community partners and employers who have deployed innovative and effective solutions to support the college and career readiness of our youth. Additional focus will be applied to study how our education-to-employment system can further connect our students, communities, and employers to passion-driven career pathways that help young people develop purpose and economic independence.
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Community Connections
Computer Science 4 Delaware (CS4DE)
CS4DE is designed for Elementary educators who are interested in expanding computer science instruction. This work is available at no charge to schools/districts. Teachers meet during out-of-school hours and receive compensation for their work.
CS4DE welcomes teams of teachers interested in infusing computer science principles in already existing literacy and mathematics curricula. Delaware has adopted standards in computer science education for students in grades K-12. The goal of CS4DE is to help elementary teachers integrate those standards with core curricula and ensure that DE students are well prepared to become creators of computing and understand the impact of computing in the world around us and in their local communities. CS4DE is a research-practice partnership funded by the National Science Foundation and is excited to be launching the 2021-2022 professional development series for teachers in grades 3-5.
Space is limited. If you would like to discuss this work, please reach out to Chrystalla Mouza at cmouza@udel.edu.
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Short on Funding for your Students’ STEM Project?
DFSME Mini Grants are Available!
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What is the purpose of DFSME Mini Grants?
DFSME will fund the costs of a variety of projects which are not funded by districts or agencies. The gap created by this lack of funding means that these costs often are paid by teachers and participants. These grants are designed to bridge that gap.
What kinds of funding will DFSME consider?
DFSME will consider paying the cost of experts or agencies with special STEM programs or demonstrations, materials required for students to participate in classroom or club demonstrations or activities, subscriptions, registration fees, conference fees, technology or software, and other STEM-related supplemental costs. DFSME will consider reimbursing funds already spent as well as funding projects yet to happen.
Who can apply?
K-12 STEM teachers, nonformal STEM educators, student STEM groups in Delaware.
How much can be requested?
DFSME Mini Grants generally range from $100 to $500.
When can we apply?
There is no deadline for mini grant applications; and they are accepted throughout the year.
How do we apply?
The application process is simple. You only need to submit a few paragraphs covering:
• Who are you and what is your affiliation?
• What are/were the start and end dates of your project?
• Describe your target audience.
• Describe what the grant is for including what cost gap it will cover.
• Explain what impact or value added the project will provide.
• Provide a budget, with documentation.
For more information or to send in an application, contact anne.dfsme@gmail.com with the subject heading “DFSME Mini Grant”.
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“We make our world significant by the courage of our questions
and the depth of our answers”
– Carl Sagan
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October 18-24
SciFest! Free Virtual STEM Expo for K-12 Students, Educators & Families
Experience virtual STEM activities and exciting stage shows.
Visit interactive exhibit zones including Energy, Engineering & Tech, Health & Medicine,
Intelligence & Security, Natural Science, Space & Aviation
and the Chemistry Exhibit Zone hosted by the American Chemical Society (ACS)
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October 27
JA Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame &
Student Learning Experiences 2021
In-person networking reception cocktail hour, student scholarship presentations
and Laureate induction ceremonies.
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November 4
Delaware STEM Educator Awards
Live Zoom Event videocast from Buena Vista Country Estate in New Castle, Delaware.
Our sponsors, elected officials, in collaboration with the hosts,
will preside over awards honoring winners at the
Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) levels,
the Community Award, the Jon Manon Educator Award and others!
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November 16
STEM Educator Network
The third in the series of discussions around creating STEM teacher networks,
professional development for STEM teachers, and leveraging resources and best practices.
with "STEM Educator Network" in the subject line.
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Our Sponsors & Supporters |
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Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education thanks the following
organizations for contributions to STEM education in Delaware.
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STEM Legacy
STEM Heritage
STEM Sustainer
STEM Network
STEM Business
STEM Friends
STEM Gifts in Kind
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Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 612
Wilmington, DE 19801
Tel: 302.397.0034 | Fax: 302.397.0036
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©2021 Delaware Foundation for Science & Math Education
501(c)(3) Education nonprofit dealing with K-16 STEM education in Delaware schools.
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