Local Teacher, Lauren Drew, Recruited for Multi-State Midwest STEM Alliance Initiative  

The Midwest STEM Alliance has recruited 18 outstanding elementary science teachers across three states to participate in the initiative: 6 from Iowa, 6 from Kansas, and 6 from Minnesota.  Backed by a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), this new project is led by Principal Investigator Dana Atwood-Blaine, PhD at the University of Northern Iowa and is aimed at celebrating, resourcing, and strengthening the work of rural elementary science educators who are making a lasting impact on their students and communities.

Local educator Lauren Drew, a second grade teacher at West Elementary, was selected to join this prestigious group as a Corps member.

“Opportunities like the Midwest STEM Alliance give me hope for the future of STEM education.  Working alongside other educators who are equally passionate about providing students with meaningful and engaging STEM learning opportunities is truly inspiring,” said Drew.

The initiative officially kicked off this past June, when the Corps gathered in person at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls for a two-day Summer Institute focused on collaboration, learning, and leadership development.  As they build a strong community of practice, these teacher leaders are creating new opportunities for their students, inspiring their peers, and advancing STEM education throughout the Midwest.

To support their mission, Corps members receive an annual stipend for four years.  They are also provided with dedicated funding for science curriculum, supplies, and materials to directly meet their classroom instructional needs.  This March, the group will travel to the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference in Boston, MA, to learn the latest STEM teaching strategies and bring exciting, hands-on science activities back to their classrooms.

Later this year, 60 additional teachers will be recruited to the Rural Cohort.  By the third year of the grant, the primary STEM Corps teachers will actively co-plan and co-lead professional learning sessions for this expanding group.  Ultimately, the project pairs top science researchers with experienced veteran classroom teachers to enhance elementary science education in rural areas.  

By elevating science instruction that integrates both literacy and math, the Midwest STEM Alliance will ensure rural educators receive the recognition, resources, and growth opportunities they deserve, helping students thrive across subjects and building a lasting foundation for rural science education.