SEER SEMINAR RESULT: STE(A)M TEACHER ACADEMIES SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE THE CURRICULUM FOR 21 CENTURY EDUCATION

The seminar focused on teacher and educator training and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities, to promote the implementation of STE(A)M education in Europe. Participants included teachers, educators, representatives of teacher training institutions, and all others involved in and/or interested in the discussion on STE(A)M CPD opportunities.

Ms. Mónika Képe-Holmberg, Head of Unit at DG EAC, opened the event followed by a presentation on the SEER’s research results, enabling dynamic discussions with the audience. The event then presented a roundtable discussion with guests from Erasmus+ Teacher Academies, giving the audience a deeper understanding of the impact of these initiatives on teachers’ professional development.

Ms. Képe-Holmberg's keynote speech highlighted the importance of STE(A)M learning experiences in helping to bring real-world elements into education to solve today's issues. Although projects like the SEER aid to increase the impact and scale of innovative pedagogies, there is a need to rethink the European school system to advance integrated STE(A)M education. As teachers are at the heart of education, investing in enhancing teacher and educator competences and qualifications is key to bring about such an educational change.

The seminar's roundtable discussion was composed of representatives of three Teacher Academies - SpicE, ICSE Academy/proSTEM, STEAME-ACADEMY - who were invited to introduce their focus, target, and activities. While the Academies' specific priorities differ, all three contribute to progress traditional STE(A)M curricula by offering teachers and educators relevant resources, professional collaboration, and professional development opportunities on integrated STE(A)M methods and approaches.

A key takeaway is that while Teacher Academies are a great start to the widespread implementation of STE(A)M education in Europe, more needs to be done. Teacher Academies succeed in specifically targeting teachers – who are among the main actors in education – and their training needs. However, for systemic change in STE(A)M education to occur, more consistent support is needed from the European Union at national/local level, as well as from the wider community.

Are you interested in the topic of STE(A)M education? Watch the recording of the SEER Seminar here or down below!

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