Why do K-12 engineering teacher training?
Engineering at the CORE
Engineering and technology have driven the development of the United States. 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 a collaborative approach and by multifaceted 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. While a 2009 National Academy of Engineering study reported that fewer than 20,000 K–12 teachers had formal engineering exposure, the adoption of engineering design standards across 13,500 districts has since expanded engineering integration to hundreds of thousands of classrooms. Although standards-driven initiatives have moved engineering beyond the 20,000-teacher benchmark cited by the NAE in 2009, many of the nation's 130,000 schools still lack dedicated, long-term engineering professional development.
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.
