Our STEM4Real mission aligns with OpenSciEd to make STEM accessible for every student and every teacher, regardless of their background. We want to help ensure that any science teacher, anywhere, can access and download freely available, high quality, locally adaptable full-course materials that support equitable science learning. At the end of our professional development, each educator walks out with a culturally responsive 3D5E lesson, a starting point for a vision 4 justice and a plan to engage with families and case study students.

When we guide educators through our Lesson Study Process, we start with the “Connect” phase of our framework where we ground our work in our why, help educators connect their lessons to their students’ lives and engage with families. This levels the playing field for STEM and makes the subject area more welcoming, relatable and equitable for our students.

We believe that the journey towards equity and social justice is an ongoing journey, but we might start at different points. Hence, we take the time to ensure that we tailor our professional development to the specific needs of each school and/or organization. Once you’re part of STEM4Real, you are family and we are make it a point to check in our with our partners and create a brave safe where it is ok to say, “Let’s go back to the drawing board because this isn’t working for me.” This is not a “one and done deal” but a process towards the same goal. Like our students, we are lifelong learners ourselves and constantly seeking ways for improvement so we can best serve our partners.