Bosch Grant Provides Training for STEM Expert Teacher Program
Greenville County Schools has received a $60,000 grant from Bosch Corporation to develop a Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology (STEM) Expert Teacher program to build a community of STEM Teacher Experts.
Michael McCormick, Vice President for Bosch, said his company strongly supports STEM education in schools. “Starting with elementary education, we hope students get interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and continue that learning in high school and college. Eventually, we see this program serving as a feeder for Bosch to fill positions in manufacturing,” he said.
The project will be conducted in partnership with Clemson University to transform the typical teacher-centered classroom by engaging in an interdisciplinary curriculum driven by problem-solving, discovery, and exploratory learning. Through coursework offered by Clemson, these teachers will obtain an add-on STEM/STEAM endorsement, identifying them as teachers with a solid understanding in all STEM areas and expertise in one STEM content area (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics).
“These funds illustrate a partnership between Greenville County Schools, Clemson University, and Bosch for teachers to walk away with a STEM/STEAM endorsement, and those credits will be funded by this generous grant from Bosch Corporation,” said Dr. DeeDee Washington, Associate Superintendent for Academics for Greenville County Schools.
After completing coursework and obtaining endorsement as a STEM Expert Teacher, these educators will become part of a STEM Expert Team to collaborate on curriculum, professional development, data, assessment of their content area, and school improvement planning. Employing the “train the trainer” model, the STEM Expert Team will provide training and support for teachers throughout Greenville County Schools.
Christine Burras, Academic Specialist for Science/STEM K-12, encourages teachers to apply. “The purpose of grant is to create a cohort of Teacher Leaders,” she said. “We want them to go back to their schools and share what they have learned and to help within their schools to create that capacity to integrate STEAM or STEM in all Greenville County Schools.”
The program is set to kick off in early April with the announcement and release of the application for teachers. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 23. Teachers selected for the program will be announced the week of April 28, and an orientation will be held June 10 at the University Center of Greenville.
Photo caption, l to r: Claude Bray, HR Director; Michael McCormick, Vice President/Plant Manager, Mobile Hydraulics; Dr. DeeDee Washington, Associate Superintendent for Academics; Christine Burras, Academic Specialist for Science/STEM -12; Christoph Kleu, Vice President/Commercial Plant Manager.