STEM Career SmartBrief

Reading this on a mobile device? Try our optimized mobile version here: http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/eiwwCfbwocfabSyxhldn

January 29, 2013

STEM News for Educators

Education

In Minn., robotics teams outpace hockey teams in high schools
If there was ever a sign that science, technology, engineering and math have secured a foothold in American high schools, consider that there are now 180 varsity robotics teams in Minnesota, compared with 156 varsity boys' hockey teams. Robotics team members are getting varsity letters and having their trophies displayed alongside those of traditional sports teams. "Minnesota is becoming a mecca for robotics," said Joe Passofaro, a mentor and coach for the state champion Prior Lake High School robotics team. "We're getting a group here that is coming onto the world scene." Duluth News Tribune (Minn.) (1/29)

Mich. university STEM majors work with high-school students
Four student teachers from Michigan State University are combining their skills in teaching with science, technology, engineering and math, while trying to inspire students at high-need urban Jackson High School, as part of the W.K Kellogg Foundation's Woodrow Wilson Michigan Teaching Fellowship. "I like the idea that the kids who need the most help are the ones getting it," said Matt Oney, who has been pursuing a doctorate in plant molecular biology. "Most people with my education end up teaching in schools in ritzy neighborhoods. But I can take my passion for science and bring it to places like Jackson so they learn and enjoy science as much as I do." MLive.com (Michigan) (free registration) (1/28)

Fla. college to offer low-cost degree for prospective STEM teachers
Indian River State College in Florida plans to offer prospective students the chance to earn a degree in science, technology, engineering and math that they can use to become math or science teachers in the state. The college plans to provide the degree program for less than $10,000 tuition, a response to Gov. Rick Scott's $10K challenge to create affordable degree programs in high-demand fields. "These (programs) ... prepare people to teach math and science in middle school and high school. There is a critical shortage of math and science teachers in the districts that we serve," college President Ed Massey said. TCPalm.com (Fort Pierce, Fla.) (1/28)

Business

Calif. pilots school programs that link to real-world career training
Sixty-three school districts in California are part of a pilot project to evaluate how "linked-learning" programs that include business partnerships will help engage students and prepare them for careers after high school. The plan calls for more specific courses, such as human anatomy and microbiology, for students on a health-career track, and for students to spend time with professionals in the fields they are pursuing. For example, in Santa Rosa, a sustainability and green business path will include input from builders and contractors. EdSource (1/29)

Trends

Fla. college launches startup training for entrepreneurs
Innovators with ideas and dreams of starting their own companies have a place to learn some of the ins and outs of the process at the Florida Institute of Technology's Center for Entrepreneurship. The program's first class recently started its eight-week program. "Each week, the class is centered on a specific task to help the entrepreneur build the confidence and accountability needed to venture out," said Scott Benjamin, who serves as the center's director and teaches Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship. Florida Today (Melbourne) (tiered subscription model) (1/28)

Federal demand increases for cybersecurity experts
The Pentagon is looking to expand its cybersecurity program significantly in the next few years in an attempt to shore up defenses of important computer systems and have experts who can launch cyberattacks on foreign enemies. The Defense Department's Cyber Command is expected to grow from about 900 troops and civilians to about 4,900 employees. The Washington Post (1/27)

SmartQuote

I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse."

--Florence Nightingale,
British social reformer, nurse and statistician

Subscriber Tools

Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy

Advertise

Publisher, Education: Joe Riddle 202-387-0987