Why do K-12 engineering teacher training?
Engineering at the CORE
Engineering and technology have driven the development of the United States into the country that it is today. From industrialization, to the environment, to air and space travel, to the internet, engineering shapes nearly every facet of our daily lives through the application of technical knowledge in math and science to solving problems and improving our lives.
Challenges for engineering education
Traditionally, engineering education has taken place only at colleges and universities. K-12 education has long emphasized science and math, and some technical skills. Engineering has not been part of the elementary or secondary curriculum.
An additional challenge comes from the fact that engineering has appealed only to certain students as opposed to all who can succeed in engineering career fields. The problems that our country faces will only be solved by an inclusive approach and by diverse teams of problem solvers vested in making the country and the world better for tomorrow.
New opportunities ahead
The growth and importance of STEM education over the last 20 years has brought engineering unprecedented prominence in K-12 education. Learning standards across the country have come to promote engineering education for millions of students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Empowering teachers
Teachers have the task of making engineering topics meaningful and engaging additions to their classrooms. Very few have had any training in engineering education. The National Academy of Engineering estimates that fewer than 20,000 teachers in all of K-12 education have had any exposure to the field. Yet in this country, there are 13,500 school districts and over 130,000 schools!
The role of Engineers On Deck
Engineers On Deck is a provider of effective, affordable educator training to make the engineering and applied science fields accessible for all members of the K-12 community.
Our goals at Engineers On Deck are focused on addressing the obstacles to making engineering a full, inclusive field of learning in K-12 education. We want to
reach educator audiences that have had limited opportunities in or exposure to engineering and applied science activities.
provide hands-on workshops for both formal and informal K-12 educators, using interactive content and materials that are easily reproduced, low-cost, grade-appropriate, and culturally aligned.
include subject-matter experts in developing and delivering workshop activities.
align with community partners to ensure sustained engagement with participants before, during, and after workshop events.
To learn more about the benefits of Engineers On Deck teacher training, click the button below.