The College of Education & Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno, is improving STEM education in Nevada by preparing educators through the Lemelson STEM Masters of Science in Elementary Education Program. The goal of the program is to develop expert STEM educators.
The program is designed for licensed elementary teachers who want to extend and deepen their STEM knowledge base and improve their pedagogical skills to become better teachers. It emphasizes the Nevada Academic Standards, which are based on the Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Participants in the program had a marked improvement in their teaching methodologies and observed tangible results in student achievement. The program's unique blend of online and in-person classes fosters a supportive community where teachers forge enduring friendships that extend beyond the confines of the program, creating a robust teacher support system.
"The Lemelson Program allowed me to expand on my knowledge as an educator and collaborate with others who have the same passion for teaching," Nikole Capacia, kindergarten teacher and recent graduate of the Lemelson program, said.
The program's graduating cohort comprises dedicated K-9 educators who are committed to enhancing their craft and making a lasting impact on their students' lives.
Spring 2024 graduating students include: Fallon Arlin, Edlin Solimar Bonilla, Nikole Capacia, Sierra Clotworthy, Nicole Gabriela Conti, Sydney Cotton, Samantha De Leon, Amy Dickson, Donald Fisher, Paige Froese, Yolanda Garcia, Tori Kenney, Kylee Lashley, Beatriz Lopez, Christopher Mackessy, Caitlin Martin, Jennifer Matilainen, April Navarro, Katherina Paige, Parker Riker, Hannah Schrock and Kayelee Taylor.
This program has had an incredible impact on Nevada. Graduates not only help their students in the classroom, but they are also leaders in the state, supporting the districts in improving math and science instruction.
"As a student, I hated science. When it wasn't boring, it was incredibly hard to understand! As a teacher, I want to change that for my students. I want them to be excited about science. The Lemelson program helped me do that," Edlin Solimar Bonilla, first grade teacher and recent graduate of the Lemelson program, said.
The students' dedication and hard work were celebrated at the Spring final reception. The cohort also showcased their final STEM projects with faculty, classmate and their families. The cohort was led by longtime program coordinator Teruni Lamberg, Ph.D., professor of elementary mathematics. The next cohort of students will be led by Glenn Waddell, Jr., Ph.D., NevadaTeach master teacher.
"This journey has strengthened my subject knowledge base in a profound way and has reminded me of why I started teaching in the first place," Parker Riker, fourth-grade teacher and recent graduate of the Lemelson program, said.
Tuition for this graduate program is generously paid for by the Lemelson Foundation.
"I am very grateful for the Lemelson program," Caitlin Martin, a recent graduate of the Lemelson program, said. "It has allowed me to go back to school and receive a master’s degree. The program has taught me many things that I will be able to use in my classroom. I am now able to further instill in my students how important, fun and exciting STEM subjects are.
The Lemelson program continues to make strides in shaping the next generation of STEM educators and making an impact on Nevada's educational landscape. These empowered teachers serve as invaluable assets, using their expertise to elevate student learning outcomes in STEM disciplines.
