Educators gear up with STEM training

The school year may be over for many students, but teachers are gearing up for the next school term.

More than 700 educators across the state are participating in the I-STEM — short for science, technology, engineering, mathematics — conference hosted by the Idaho National Laboratory. Teachers are given the chance to choose a specific topic to focus on, such as nuclear power or science on the playground.

“I think getting them up out of their chairs and going outside is going to be engaging so they’ll be able to put that to use,” said fifth grade teacher Amanda Torgerson.

I-STEM coordinator Bill Cairns said benefits from the conference will not only aid in education efforts, but the need for STEM candidates within the workplace.

“As you look at our nation, business and industry, they’re looking for students who are well prepared and well trained to take on the challenges of the future,” he said.

Anyone wishing to participate in any of the following conference sessions can register at https://secure.inl.gov/istem/default.aspx.

June 17-20 at Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls.
June 23-26 at Idaho State University in Pocatello.
June 23-26 at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.
June 24-27 at the College of Western Idaho in Nampa.