STEM Endorsement

Advanced candidates in graduate teacher education programs at Piedmont College may, with the help of their faculty advisor, request the formation of a cohort in their respective schools making them eligible for an endorsement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Additionally, individuals seeking the endorsement may apply to the Office of Graduate Admissions to pursue the endorsement as a non-degree student. For more information, contact Dr. Lynn Rambo.

Program Description

A. Program Abstract

STEM education is a strategy grounded in the principle of educating students through the integration and application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM education provides students a cohesive learning paradigm grounded in real-world applications allowing students to explore concepts, collaborate with fellow students and professionals, and create products and solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. STEM education affords students a true appreciation of how problems are addressed and the steps necessary to develop a solution or create a product for the betterment of mankind and the world around us.

The Piedmont College Georgia STEM Education Endorsement Program seeks to transform P-12 certified educators from grade level, and in some cases, discipline specific, classroom teachers to STEM educators who demonstrate through their practice, dispositions, and skills/abilities STEM habits of mind.

Through field work, online and face-to-face coursework, collaborative endeavors, and demonstrated application candidates will develop as STEM educators who understand STEM is interdisciplinary, is a way of thinking, is a process, is collaborative, has a pedagogy, requires deep cross disciplinary knowledge of content and assessment, and is experiential; they will demonstrate the ability to engage P-12 students in authentic STEM learning experiences.

While dedicated to preparing individuals to model STEM content pedagogy in the field and at the grade level of their base certification, the Piedmont College Georgia STEM Education Endorsement Program aims to provide a dynamic and transformative set of experiential and collaborative learning opportunities in an inquiry-driven and competency-based program. Examples follow:

Endorsement candidates will, from the beginning, be immersed in STEM learning environments, both virtually and in person. These opportunities for embedded experiential learning support research findings that teachers need authentic experiences in STEM professions and they need to learn and practice appropriate STEM pedagogy. Additionally, an on-campus Piedmont College STEM Discovery Center offers both a practice teaching lab space and opportunities to engage P-12 students in formal extracurricular STEM learning experiences (see I.E.2.).
Candidates move through the endorsement program as a multi-grade level, interdisciplinary cohort or learning community. Grounded in social cognitive and constructivist theories of Bandura, Piaget, and Vygotsky, candidates construct understanding through shared experiences and vicariously.
Each course in the endorsement program is inquiry-driven by design. Candidates are challenged to consider their own prior understandings and experiences, background knowledge, and questions; collect data (quantitative and qualitative); analyze data; synthesize prior understandings/experiences and background knowledge with data; and develop new approaches, habits, and mindsets. Through program experiences, candidates are transformed from STEM-interested teachers into prepared STEM educators.
The endorsement program supports evidence-based reflective practice through ongoing self-assessment, creation of a content growth plan, oral syntheses of program experiences, and development of a STEM educator portfolio, each contributing to individual professional growth and improved practice.
Rather than a grade-based focus, the Piedmont College Georgia STEM Educator Endorsement Program is competency-driven. The application and creation of knowledge, along with the development of important skills and dispositions are emphasized; assessment is timely, meaningful and a positive learning experience for candidates; differentiated support based on candidates’ individual learning needs is provided; and transferable learning objectives empower candidates to persevere.

B. Delivery Model

To offer flexibility of access as well as necessary support and collaborative opportunities, the Piedmont College Georgia STEM Education Endorsement will offer a blended delivery model that considers time, place, path and pace, and course design includes asynchronous and synchronous online as well as face-to-face teaching and learning. Elements amenable to self-pacing and individualized study will be fully online and available for asynchronous consumption. Within-cohort collaboration may require initial in-person time (face-to-face) then follow with Web-based pair and small group work for discussion, project work, etc. (online asynchronous and online synchronous). Differentiated and personalized instruction based on readiness, interest, and learning preference of candidates will allow for variation in pace (e.g., readiness for technology integration, computational or model-based reasoning, or content knowledge; interest in hydroponics, robotics, or health sciences).

C. Admission Criteria

In addition to meeting the Piedmont College graduate level admission requirements (see http://www.piedmont.edu/Requirements), prospective candidates for the Piedmont College Georgia STEM Education Endorsement program must

Provide a letter of interest, stating how the STEM Education Endorsement will enhance their professional practice as well as better meet the needs of their students.
Submit a letter of recommendation and support from a school or district level administrator.
*Meet the STEM-related content requirements below prior to entry in Course II:
- Submit transcripts indicating 8 or more credit hours earned in post-secondary laboratory based science AND 6 or more credit hours earned in post-secondary mathematics (not including remedial coursework) for a minimum of 14 credit hours in combined science and mathematics content OR
- Earn a passing score on the GACE Middle Grades Science Assessment (for P-8 candidates) or a passing score on the GACE Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics Assessment (9-12 candidates).

*Candidates who do not meet minimum STEM-related content requirements above must complete additional coursework through Piedmont College or another institution, OR achieve passing GACE scores as indicated prior to entry in Course II, Planning for STEM Teaching and Learning.

Required Courses

CEDU 7771	Exploring STEM Education	4 CEUs
CEDU 7772	Planning for STEM Teaching and Learning	4 CEUs
CEDU 7773	Developing STEM Habits of Mind	4 CEUs
CEDU 7774	Engaging Students as a STEM Educator	4 CEUs