National Teacher of the Year Advocates for STEM Diversity

The 2011 National Teacher of the Year, Michelle Shearer, a math/science teacher from Maryland, states in a recent interview that, "[c]hildren are born scientists.  All children. . . . And I really believe that because science is everywhere and chemistry is everywhere, that really it’s for every student."  On encouraging young women in STEM, Ms. Shearer states that she works to be a good role model, noting that if she can be a scientist, a mother, plus enjoy sports and music, other females feel they can do the same.  She is explicit with her students about the relevance of chemistry in daily life, and explains that "STEM is not just four subject areas. It’s a set of skills, habits of mind. It’s problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, communication—all these skills that are going to apply to any number of careers."  http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2011/10/13/01shearer.h05.html?tkn=YMYF0WN4pXtUR2iqi%2FgeCdXiFi01LjSdB%2Ftt&cmp=clp-sb-ascd