Hello!

We are off to a great start at NCCAT, learning about doing the big work for teachers, students, and industry in North Carolina! I have been able to meet some amazing teachers, and in just one day I’ve filled pages in my trusty notebook with ideas and resources.

As this adventure begins, I look forward to my internship; I will be working at TekTone NC, and while I’m excited, I also don’t know what to expect. My mentor Teresa and I will be talking soon, and I know it’ll become more clear as we dive in together.

I am looking forward to our project in Western North Carolina; connecting the students who want to stay in the region with jobs they are qualified for. I have taught many students who went on to be doctors and lawyers and engineers; most left this part of the world to work in urban centers. There is an assumption that those who stay in this rural center may not have specialized skills or education, but the STEMwork project will help change that misconception. Providing links between the work students do in school and the work they can do in life will give them opportunities to specialize, to become skilled, and to stay in their communities if they wish.

Education is a way to provide options. STEMwork will provide options to rural students through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and making connections in our local workforce. My goal is to prepare my students through project-based learning for the collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity that are necessary to join a team in any industry.