WHY IT MATTERS
The University of Iowa’s STEM Innovator® professional development program equips educators with the tools needed to partner with business and industry. STEM Innovator® prepares teachers to have their students work in teams employing an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking to solve authentic, community-driven, real-world problems. STEM Innovator® students identify a problem of interest, verify and validate the problem through customer discovery, and establish and implement a solution. STEM Innovator® students gain the skills needed to thrive in a 21st century global economy.
TRAINING PATHWAYS
Professional development opportunities with us include online training, face-to-face training at the University of Iowa, and custom face-to-face training in your school district. STEM Innovator®professional development is a three-year program, providing each cohort with University of Iowa training and support, as well as access to a network of educators across the country.
STEM Innovator® Online Institute
Online training is offered twice a year, with winter and summer sessions. Program is designed for teachers who want strategies and methods for infusing STEM innovation and entrepreneurship into the curriculum. Next session starts summer 2018.
STEM Innovator® Onsite Institute
The STEM Innovator® Teacher Institute, an introductory workshop for teachers near the beginning of their STEM Innovator® journey, is offered periodically on the University of Iowa campus. Or explore with us how we can tailor this workshop for delivery in your school district.
STEM Innovator® Onsite Ed Camp
The STEM Innovator® Ed Camp is offered each summer on campus for teachers who have or are participating in our professional development. The camp provides a collaborative environment where teachers share and learn from each other to further develop their individual models.
STEMINARS WITH EXPERTS
During and after completing certification, educators have ongoing access to STEMinars® with national thought leaders in research and the sciences. Many of these sessions are open to the public.
INCENTIVES
Benefits to teachers are many, from extensive professional development and mentoring to opportunities to earn graduate credit at a discounted rate.
Iowa teachers who participate in STEM Innovator®receive up to $5,100* in incentives:
- $500 cash stipend
- Three graduate credits ($1,600 value)
- Option to receive up to two additional credits, paid by teacher at a reduced rate of $149/credit (up to $770 value)
- Nine-month STEM Innovator® professional development, followed by ongoing professional collaboration ($1,500 value)
- Access to STEM Innovator®toolkit: curriculum, instruction and assessment resources ($399 value).
- If you choose to participate in the onsite Ed Camp: two nights' lodging (2 teachers/room) and five meals ($375 value)
- Ongoing mentoring and support across three-plus years
*State of Iowa teachers funded through an Iowa economic development grant. Teacher support is contingent upon continued state funding.
Participants in STEM Innovator®receive up to $4,800 in incentives:
- Option to receive up to five graduate credits, paid by teacher at a reduced rate of $149/credit ($2,750 value)
- Nine-month STEM Innovator® professional development, followed by ongoing professional collaboration ($1,500 value)
- Access to STEM Innovator®toolkit: curriculum, instruction and assessment resources ($399 value)
- If you choose to participate in the onsite Ed Camp: five meals ($125 value)
- Ongoing mentoring and support across three-plus years