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Critical Factors for STEM Program Sustainability

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT

Critical Factors for STEM Program Sustainability

Presented by Mark Whelton, Superintendent, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District (MI); Dr. Michael Gilchrist, Principal, Crossland High School, Prince George’s County Public Schools (MD); and Annie Burnett, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, SmartLab

Sponsored by SmartLab

Watch the RecordingListen to the Podcast

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

STEM careers are growing twice as fast as others, making it essential for schools to integrate STEM with real-world learning to prepare students for the future. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 17, 2024)

School and district administrators are thinking a lot about STEM and CTE right now for good reason, but it can be tough to build a program. Successful leaders tackle the challenges of staffing, resource management, and curriculum development to build and sustain impactful STEM programs.

View this edLeader Panel to learn from other leaders who have been through it already and came out with programs that continue to engage students in meaningful STEM learning engagements. Leaders discuss:

  • Curriculum alignment and teaching strategies in STEM
  • Professional development to support STEM educators
  • Managing resources and securing lasting funding

Viewers also receive the SmartLab STEM funding guide for free. The guide provides strategies for funding STEM initiatives after the sunset of EANS and ESSER. View this session to learn from experienced leaders and receive the exclusive SmartLab funding guide.

This recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.

About the Presenters

Mark Whelton is Superintendent of Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District in Bridgeport, Michigan. Mark is a seventh-year superintendent and leader of a dynamic group of educators. He is a sports enthusiast who lives a vision of “No Barriers, Just Possibilities,” which requires a student-first focus and an understanding that you can lead a horse to water. Still, you can’t make it drink UNLESS you add salt to its food. So, what is your salt?

Mark holds degrees from Central Michigan University, Marygrove College, and the University of Michigan. Over the past 23 years, he has been a teacher, principal, intervention specialist, data and PLC coach at The Institute for Excellence in Education, and an integral part of the Financial Independence Team at the Michigan Department of Education.

Michael Gilchrist

Dr. Michael Gilchrist, born and raised in Northwest Washington, DC, was inspired by his educator parents to pursue a career in education. He graduated with honors from St. John’s College High School and, in 2003, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a mathematics minor from Bowie State University. Dr. Gilchrist furthered his education with a master’s in secondary mathematics education, focusing on administration and leadership.

After joining William Hall Academy, he was promoted to Principal within two years of being appointed Assistant Principal, demonstrating his strong leadership and commitment to educational excellence. Following his success at William Hall Academy, Dr. Gilchrist became Principal of Crossland High School in 2018, where he pioneered the development of the first Career and Technical Education (CTE) hub in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Under his leadership, Crossland High School now serves as the first 100% CTE-enrolled specialty program in PGCPS.

Anne Burnett

Annie Burnett is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at SmartLab. As an education, learning, and development partner and leader, Annie is a cultivator of agile teams and partnerships in STEM ecosystems. She is also a passionate community builder, committed to social and environmental justice and education reform through technology, accessibility, and leadership. She is a fierce advocate for women and girls in technology, adventure, and science.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Join the STEM Learning community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.


SmartLab

SmartLab provides turnkey PBL-centered STEM learning environments, curricula, and professional development to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.


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