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Northwest STEM Region: Kent Muyskens
Kent Muyskens, science teacher who has taught Computer Programming, Principles of Engineering, and a Project Lead The Way class at Carroll Community High School submitted a STEM Redesigned Learning Environment proposal selected for implementation in 2015 by Iowa STEM. Kent hopes to create a Carroll STEM Institute at Carroll High School, and is creating a new class called STEM Training and Research (STaR), allowing students to collaborate with various scientists and engineers from around the world.
Back to topNorth Central STEM Region: Ed Birkey
Ed Birkey, technology and engineering teacher at Fort Dodge Senior High School, has been a part of the Iowa Central Community College Engineering Design Technology advisory board for the past seven years, and coordinates an advisory board as part of the schools Industrial Technology Department. Ed stays dedicated to STEM efforts by working with students in the after school FIRST Tech Challenge robotics program, as well as organizing a series of Robot Camps over school breaks for students in grades 4-8, as well as nontraditional students interested in coding and robotics.
Back to topNortheast STEM Region: Dirk Homewood
Dirk Homewood, math and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teacher at Cedar Falls High School, was the first teacher in his district to begin teaching PLTW classes six years ago. Dirk dedicates his time to STEM efforts by connecting the school district with the many STEM related businesses in the area. His work has led to Cedar Falls High School earning the title “Official PRIME Site” by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation, one of only seven schools in the country holding this designation. Dirk organizes Cedar Falls High School’s annual STEM Open House and the Cedar Falls District STEM Advisory Council.
Back to topSouthwest STEM Region: Erin Wetzel
Erin Wetzel, computer and Project Lead The Way teacher at Southwest Valley Middle School, recently received ST Math through the STEM Scale-Up Program. She trained other teachers how to use the program in order to continue student growth in math skills. Erin provided her students with the opportunity to build a 3D printer, which is now being used in her classroom.
Back to topSouth Central STEM Region: Ryan Lensing
Ryan Lensing, science teacher at Dowling Catholic High School (DCHS), has participated twice in the Iowa STEM Teacher Externships program where his research with Dave Williams at the Tallgrass Prairie Center led to the creation of the Dowling research prairie. Lensing created “DCHS Snake Club” offering students the opportunity to do self-motivated learning outside of the classroom.
Back to topSoutheast STEM Region: Reagan Boeset
Reagan Boeset, STEM teacher at Clear Creek Amana (CCA) Middle School, worked with the Kirkwood ACE Mentor Program in 2014 to bring a STEM Center to CCA. This program brought 130 area high school students together to work with in-field STEM experts. Reagan coordinated the Science/STEM Nights for both CCA elementary and middle school students. Outside of the classroom, Reagan coaches STEM Club and STEM Nature Trail group.
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