WM Symposia launches STEM educators’ council

WM has featured a STEM program since 2019 in recognition of the role STEM education plays in preparing students for careers in the nuclear industry. According to the company, over the past six years, the program has reached more than 5,000 students through STEM kits, STEM program grants, and teacher workshops.

The council is to provide its members with a venue to network; share best practices; and access resources such as subject-matter experts, teaching materials, and classroom enhancements. Initial funding to set up the council was provided by a $10,000 grant from Fluor and matching funds from the WM Symposia STEM program.

Council members: Membership in the WM STEM Educators’ Council is open to U.S. and international educators in K-12, as well as higher education, in both traditional and nontraditional environments.

Inaugural members of the STEM Educators’ Council include:

• Olivia Blackmon, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Knoxville, Tenn.
• Jennifer Buckler, Western Elementary School, Latham, Ohio.
• Scott Douglass, Central Virginia Governor’s School, Lynchburg, Va.
• Joy James-Foster, STEM Education Outreach Lead for WIPP, Carlsbad, N.M.
• Armando Guerrero, AmTech Career Academy, Amarillo, Texas.
• Sue Magidson, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
• Brandy Roberts, Heath Middle School, Paducah, Ky.
• Steve Smith, Central Virginia Governor’s School, Lynchburg, Va.
• Van Herd, Amarillo College, Amarillo, Texas.
• Natalie Woods, Thunder Ridge High School, Idaho Falls, Idaho.