1. What does a STEAM coach do within your school/district, and why do you think it's important to include the "A" in STEAM?  

A STEAM Coach/Resource Teacher ensures equity and access in learning experiences for all students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. The integration of STEAM into other disciplines increases conceptual understanding, student interest, and motivation.  STEAM integration is accomplished through facilitating schoolwide Collaborative Learning Teams (CLTs), developing and implementing interdisciplinary units, and partnering with community members in the STEAM fields. Including the “A” or arts in STEAM is not an afterthought, but more of a way to include diverse perspectives, foster self-expression, promote visually and aesthetically pleasing designs as it relates to solving problems.

2. What has been your favorite lesson or activity that you've shared with students in the past year? 

My favorite lessons to teach are the ones which promote environmental stewardship and solve authentic problems plaguing our environment such as climate change investigations.  Students are immersed in the science and engineering practices as they become researchers, writers, and problem solvers while investigating how to incorporate renewable energy to solve the human impact on our planet.

3. What is one resource (online or print) that has totally changed the way you teach? Or, what is something that you have found inspirational as you plan out projects or lessons for students?

Inquiry based instruction grounded in Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) completely transformed my instructional practices in the classroom.  Facilitating learning opportunities through the inquiry process using phenomena increases student curiosity and leads to more authentic inquiry. One resource which has elevated this practice is the online resource of NGSS Phenomenon.

Thank you so much, Louise!