STEM

STEM. An acronym for "science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," STEM fields are often associated due to the similarities that they share in theory and practice.

Despite a focus on filling STEM-related jobs, American businesses in the 21st century were not able fill their STEM jobs at an appropriate pace. According to the National Association of Manufacturing and Deloitte, 2 million manufacturing jobs were expected to go unfilled until 2025 due to a skill gap. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that occupations in the STEM field are expected to grow by 10.8% through 2032, compared with 2.3% for non-STEM occupations. (1)

Representatives from the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council, award sponsor Kemin Industries, JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS and the DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT chose Theressa Northouse, technology teacher at MARSHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, as the recipient of the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award. She led several coding and robotics clubs at Marshall, planned to begin a 3D printing club at the school in 2024, and coached the school's FIRST LEGO League team for 4th and 5th grade students. Six Iowa teachers are selected for the annual award, one from each of six regions across the state. (2)

Other teachers who have receive the honor include:

                    2023--Greg Moklestad, computer science and engineering teacher at DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
                
                    2022--Donna Schmitt--technology coach at GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                    2020--Ann Arnold--mathematics teacher at the district's Alternative Learning Center

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Source:

1. "What Does STEM Mean in Education?," Southern New Hampshire University, Online: https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/stem/what-does-stem-mean-for-you

2. Kelsey, Elizabeth, "'Think Outside the Box,'" Telegraph Herald, March 2, 2024, p. 1A