By: Bradley Kovach, STEM Carib 2012 Steering Committee

With STEM Carib 2012 Conference being just a few days away, I realized that many people may not be familiar with this acronym. STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, Mathematics) is a term that is becoming increasingly popular in education when referring to this group of topics. As a science and mathematics teacher, the merits of STEM education are quite obvious to me, but it’s possible that others may need some convincing.

A recent study by the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation has estimated that, by 2014, there will be 2 million new jobs created in the STEM field. This is in the US alone. Additionally, they estimate that 80% of all new jobs created in the next decade will require STEM skills. In other words, a solid STEM foundation is not only a foot in the door of the world’s fastest growing job market, but has become crucial for the future success of all students.

So, what does this mean to all of the teachers out there? It is our duty as educators to engage, inspire, and motivate the next generation of thinkers. Another recent study found that 68% of all female STEM college students say that a teacher or class sparked their interest in the field. If we, as educators, are not passionate about the field, what hope do the children have?

We must also be willing to evolve and adapt with the ever-changing landscape of the educational field. The same study showed that 61% of all male STEM college students say that games or toys sparked their interest in the field. This certainly goes against the traditional approaches of textbooks and loose-leaf paper.

The STEM Carib Conference, which is slated for October 17-19, provides a tremendous opportunity for the island’s teachers to acquire professional development. The list of topics showcases both the challenges we are facing and the successes we are celebrating in STEM education. Additionally, the line-up of guest speakers can serve as prime examples in the battle against the age-old question, “Sir, when will I ever need to know this in real life?”

Additionally, it provides an opportunity for teachers to network and share best practices for STEM education. Conversations had between sessions, during lunch, and on coffee breaks can often lead to revolutions in the classroom.

About Brad:

Originally from the United States, Mr. Brad Kovach graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology from Grove City College before pursuing his Master of Arts in Teaching in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis.

He relocated to Grand Cayman in 2010 to teach at Cayman International School, where he designed and implemented two new course offerings: IB Mathematics SL and Conceptual Physics. He has also been involved in redesigning Math and Science curricula to align with AERO and IB standards.

Mr. Kovach began his teaching career with Kaplan Test Prep in Memphis, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2006 because of high student feedback ratings. While at Kaplan, he designed and led high-yield content workshops and practice test reviews and mentored students through rigorous programmes. Possessing an “outside voice and stadium presence”, Mr. Kovach was chosen to emcee school pep rallies while coaching boys and girls tennis teams as a teacher at Barlett High School in Tennessee.

For further information on STEM Carib 2012 and to register, please visit http://stem.ucciconference.ky.

University College of the Cayman Islands

UCCI is an institution of higher learning that contributes to the Caymanian society by advancing knowledge and developing creative graduates, and through its cultural, social, economic and environmental activities. “We will admit all students with the potential and passion to learn. We will challenge students intellectually and prepare them for life in the global market place”.

The goals of the University College of the Cayman Islands are:

_To provide high quality education in career, liberal arts and transfer programmes;

_To encourage the maximum development of student potentials;

_To develop the competence of undergraduate students in basic skills;

_To prepare students in career programmes to meet the standards and competencies required for employment;

_To foster social and political awareness and involvement in the community through academic programmes and extra-curricular activities;

_To respond to the varied educational needs of the local community through a broad range of continuing education, career training and community service programmes;

_To develop new educational programmes in response to the economic development needs of the community in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Government, the Chamber of Commerce, and other local associations;

_To provide a systematic process of review that assures the realisation of the mission and goals of the University College.