Quality Teachers and STEM A Necessary Combination

Whether you are watching the Olympics, calling tech support for assistance, or reading the daily news, one can easily see that the world we live in is becoming more of a global market.  Many emerging and developing countries are at the forefront of this global wave of change.  These new markets and economies are in hyper-growth mode and are changing the way things are created, manufactured, and delivered to consumers.  These transformed economies are being driven by cheap labor, strong educational systems, and raw ambition, among other factors.  Their citizens are hungry for their turn at prosperity, global respect, and a better way of life.  The global economy is no longer just “the West,” but now includes many of the counties that offer competitive advantages from manufacturing to engineering to technology.    For America to keep its advantage in this global market, it must equip its children with an education that can compete with the best from around the world.

In this issue, we focus on the area of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math programs) in our schools. As more and more factories close, only to re-open in countries with cheap labor, we now need — more than ever — a highly-trained, well-educated work force.  This kind of work force will need to create products, solve problems, and create value that will attract consumers around the world.  It will be able to command top salaries and maintain America’s high standard of living.  However, this type of work force means that school districts must hire, and train, more teachers who are proficient in the area of STEM.

Many of America’s top corporations have already identified America’s global competitiveness as a major issue that must be addressed.  They understand that America’s work force must be more skilled in the areas of STEM in order for America to compete in this global market.  For this reason, some have begun contributing significant resources to aid teachers and school districts in the area of STEM.

Just as students need to learn more in the areas of STEM, there is a need for teachers who will challenge the old paradigms of education.  Teachers are needed who will bring innovative ideas and fresh approaches to the classrooms.  These are teachers who will have a firm knowledge of the subject matter, and can also go after the hearts and minds of today’s children.  These are teachers who can reach young people and ignite a passion for life-long learning.

In this issue, we try to strike a balance between these two critically important aspects of teaching and learning.  We must not only hire and train competent and proficient teachers; we must also seek out ones who are also caring and inspirational.

Preston “Pres” Edwards, Jr.,

Publisher – Teachers of Color

Teaching STEM:

Teachers Wanted for STEM Education Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce

Promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Careers

Science Teachers Get A Glimpse Into The Classroom And Support For Their Future

STEM Corporate-Education Partnerships