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BW is launching a STEAM education certificate program this summer to help educators, librarians and community members effectively integrate STEAM principles into their teaching methods.
The program is designed to foster creativity and engagement through hands-on, project-based learning in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics). It is open to classroom teachers, librarians, out-of-school program leaders and community members.
Through the Choose Ohio First Grant awarded to BW by the State of Ohio, the STEAM education certificate program is tuition-free for Ohio residents.
The three-course, credit-earning sequence has two cohorts, one beginning June 2 and another starting Oct. 22. Each of the three courses in the sequence will be delivered in a hybrid format and includes three in-person meetings per course, with additional coursework being completed online and independently.
The certificate program can benefit all educators:
Upon successful completion of the courses, participants will earn nine semester credits at the graduate level. These credits can be applied toward teacher licensure renewal, salary advancement and professional development requirements (educators are encouraged to verify with their school district and/or state licensing agency to ensure the credits meet specific requirements).
Katie Adkins, director of the Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program, believes the new certificate program will give educators an opportunity to think creatively and collaboratively on how they can apply STEAM principles in their teaching and learning environments.
According to Adkins, the program is unique in that it encourages educators to partner with industries in our region to develop relationships that impact the talent of the future workforce to consider STEM and STEAM careers.
Working with Adkins on creating the certificate program is Lauren Scotta, a lecturer at BW. She describes the program as a wonderful opportunity for educators to build valuable skills that encourage participants to explore and apply STEM concepts in new and imaginative ways.
"By integrating arts-driven approaches, participants will engage in problem-solving that taps into both analytical and creative thinking. The addition of the arts to STEM to form STEAM is crucial for enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking," believes Scotta.
"The arts bring creativity, imagination and emotional insight to the process, which complement the logical, analytical aspects of STEM disciplines. By integrating the arts, learners are encouraged to think divergently, envisioning a variety of possible solutions rather than settling for the first idea that comes to mind," Scotta went on to say.
"BW's commitment to a holistic, interdisciplinary approach allows participants to explore how these fields work together to create innovative solutions. Students will benefit from working in cross-disciplinary teams — collaborating with peers from diverse academic backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives to problem-solving. This environment not only enhances creativity but also cultivates practical skills for addressing complex, real-world challenges," remarked Scotta.
The STEAM education certificate is a post-baccalaureate program for individuals who have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
For more information about the Baldwin Wallace STEAM Education Certificate Program, contact the BW admission office at (440) 826-8012 or email graduate@bw.edu.
