140. Making STEM Joyful, Rigorous, and Relevant ft. Beyond100K

3/8/2024

Show Summary:

Natasha chats with Maya Morales Garcia the Chief Program Officer at Beyond100K, an organization working to end the STEM teacher shortage by 2043, especially for those most excluded from STEM opportunities. The conversation covers her journey into STEM education and the importance of developing a positive STEM identity from a young age, especially for young girls. As a former science teacher, Maya also shares her experiences with teaching STEM including a focus of making instruction joyful, rigorous, and relevant. But they also acknowledge the barriers that restrict the best intentions of teachers and the work needed to to improve the cultivation and retention of quality K-12 STEM teachers.

About Maya: Maya Morales Garcia is the CFO at Beyond100K and has an extensive background in both STEM and education, having served as the Science and STEM education lead for Colorado Department of Education and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia. Her experience includes teaching 8th-grade science, overseeing standards implementation, leading strategic initiatives in STEM, and cultivating cross-sector stakeholder groups. She holds a bachelor's degree in neuroscience and behavior and an MAT, and is pursuing a doctorate in Education in Leadership for Educational Equity. Maya is dedicated to creating affirming, justice-centered learning environments in STEM.

Links from the Show:

Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes

• 117. Why Does Belonging Matter in STEM Education?

• 98. Who is an Engineer?

• 127. Why You Should Teach About STEM Careers

Vivify STEM Blog Posts

• Top 10 Ways To Encourage Girls In STEM

• Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning

Vivify STEM Lessons

• “There is space for you in STEM.” Inspirational STEM Classroom Posters

• Women in STEM Classroom Posters FREE!!

• Straw Rocket STEM Challenge

• Tower STEM Challenges

Other STEM Resources

• Beyond 100K

  • Facebook 

  • Instagram

  • Twitter

  • LinkedIn (Maya's profile)

• Tufts Early Education Programs

• PBS Learning Media

• NSTA

• The STEM Space on Facebook

• Become a member of The STEM Space!

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