Symposium Showcases Innovative Teaching Methods Developed by STEM Ambassadors
Mercy University Center for STEM Education team: Daniela Martinez, Dr. Amanda Gunning, Christopher DeMattia (STEM Ambassador Program Director), Dr. Meghan Marrero and Mary Ushay.
Since 2019, the Mercy University Center for STEM Education has provided professional development to K-8 educators to guide them in incorporating STEM education in their classrooms. Known as the Westchester STEM Ambassadors (WSA) program, the latest cohort of 32 teachers and educational specialists from seven area public school districts presented their final projects at a symposium held March 20 at Mercy’s Westchester Campus.
Thanks to a Smart Start grant from the New York State Department of Education, Mercy has trained several hundred teachers from Westchester and Rockland counties. With a long-term goal of broadening access to STEM learning in public schools, Mercy has equipped Ambassadors with strategies and tools, as well as encouraging the exchange of knowledge and methods with other educators.
According to Mary Ushay, Assistant Director of the Center for STEM Education at Mercy University, the annual symposium gives participants an opportunity to share innovative ideas for engaging more students in science, technology, engineering and math experiences.
Participants presented topics ranging from cooperative learning and inclusive teaching to digital storytelling and “brain breaks,” a necessary reprieve from high intensity learning. At each grade level, presenters offered ways to apply tools and methods to all grade levels—a key benefit of vertical learning communities.
Pictured above, New Rochelle STEM Ambassador Hilaire Escaladas presenting STEMming from Nature
Each Ambassador is awarded a small stipend for purchasing STEM education materials for their classrooms. “One of the presenters demonstrated the Merge Cube, a new educational tool that allows students to study digital 3D objects from all sides,” said Ushay. “The presentation gave some great ideas for how to use this amazing learning tool in the classroom.”
This year, the Peekskill school district joined the consortium of schools in Ossining, White Plains, New Rochelle, Tarrytown, and Port Chester for the rigorous training, which lasts from September to March. “Ambassadors attend sessions after a full day of teaching, so it’s a big commitment, as well as a testament to the importance and effectiveness of the program,” said Ushay.
Feedback has been uniformly positive. Chris DeMattia, WSA director, acknowledged Mercy’s contributions to the program’s success and growth over the years. “Last week’s symposium showcased the amazing talents, dedication, and learning of this year’s Westchester STEM Ambassadors,” he said. “The enhanced integration of computer science, engineering, and instructional technology in our K-8 classrooms will impact an untold number of students as we prepare them for the future.”
Registration is now open for the next STEM Ambassadors training starting in the fall. Interested applicants can apply through May 13.
Peekskill STEM Ambassadors (left to right): Dr. Eudes Budhai (District Liaison), Jamie Rossi, Susan Barnett, Brian Donahue, Delilah Kearney, Gabrielle Curry, Alyssa Bleakley, Teresa Ferreira, Melanie Wetmore and Jessica Newby