Under Carolyn Nichol’s leadership, Rice’s Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM) has developed a proven method for improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics education: train and mentor STEM teachers and track the success of their students.
Nichol, a faculty member in Chemistry, founded R-STEM nearly 15 years ago to support and promote the university’s wide-ranging efforts to improve K-12 education in STEM.
R-STEM focuses on professional development training for elementary, junior high and high school teachers, specializing in programs that mentor teachers for a year or more, allowing them plenty of time to practice before bringing new lessons into their classrooms.
Multiple studies using state databases have shown that the students of R-STEM-trained teachers do better on their STAR testing in science and math, are more likely to graduate from high school and are more likely to choose a STEM major in college.
