Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Conference Helps Educators
Move Students Toward Growing Career Fields
Presenters emphasize engineering portion of curriculum

WACO, Texas –The occupational outlook for science-related careers will increase in the United States by as much as 36 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Local educators have the opportunity to apply the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition to their school’s curriculum in preparation for this exponential career growth with the first Region 12 STEM Conference.

Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 will host a two-day conference, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 24-25, at 2101 W. Loop 340 in Waco, to inform educators how STEM courses can prepare students for both college and the work force. This conference is geared toward K-12 science, math, technology, and Career and Technical Education administrators and teachers. The conference is also open to the general public.

“This conference is different from anything else because we will be focusing on engineering. We need to put the ‘E’ back in STEM in order for all the components to effectively work together,” Judy York, ESC Region 12 education specialist, said.

Dr. Ed Sobey, from Northwest Institute for Inquiry, will kick off the conference with a tour through the world of innovation. Additional breakout sessions will inform educators about the opportunities for STEM content building and resource alignment available in their local area. National Geographic, Fort Hood, TSTC, MCC and Baylor University will demonstrate hands-on techniques and activities to illustrate how STEM curriculum can relate to careers.

Individuals may register at www.esc12.net with session #37735. For more information, contact Laura Calhoun at lcalhoun@esc12.net or 254.297.1133.

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About ESC Region 12
One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 is dedicated to serving school districts, charter schools and area private/parochial schools in improving student performance. ESC Region 12 partners with school districts to deliver services and solutions to educators so they may help all children be successful.

Based in Waco, with satellite offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Nolanville and Teague, ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills and Navarro Counties.