LVC Announces New STEM Endorsement Program

The College is one of only four schools in the state to have received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The STEM endorsement, which expands on the College’s Master of Science Education Program, consists of three courses and a practicum where educators can apply the lessons they learn directly to their classroom teaching. As part of the practicum, teachers would compile a digital portfolio of lesson plans, self-reflections, and alignment with state standards.

The three hybrid courses will run in eight-week sessions and offer rolling enrollment. This fall, starting in October, there will be an introductory course paired with a practicum.

Courses include:

Introduction to STEM Education (MSE 880): Designed for elementary, middle, and high school teachers, this course includes an introduction to the curricular nature and signature pedagogies unique to each discipline; examination of state and national standards; an investigation of related political, global, and economic trends and issues; and a review of STEM research.

STEM Education Systemic Reform (MSE 881): This course is designed for K-12 educators and administrators as an investigation of STEM initiatives and programs at all levels. It includes the study of individuals and organizations that have played a role in the development of STEM education, exploration of various types of STEM programs in K-12 schools, analysis of barriers in STEM for some students, and how to reform education to increase/improve STEM through systemic processes.

STEM Integrative Curriculum Design (MSE 882): Designed as a rich and deep inquiry into STEM integrative curriculum design, this course includes a thorough examination and application of state and national science, technology, engineering, and math standards; an exploration of published STEM curricular and assessment programs; an introduction to auditing written curriculum; and an investigation of signature STEM pedagogies.

Integrative STEM Education Practicum (MSE 820-21): This course is designed as an opportunity for teachers that wish to be considered for PDE Integrative STEM Endorsement candidacy to apply and extend integrative STEM knowledge, understandings, and skills acquired through coursework to meaningful field experiences.

For more information on the College’s STEM Endorsement Program, please contact Carrie Coryer, director of the Master of Science Education and STEM-Based programs, at 717-867-6190 or coryer@lvc.edu.