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Shaping Academic Minds:
Join the AFT’s Belonging in STEM Initiative

Belonging is a critical factor in student success, particularly for Black, Latinx, Native American, neurodiverse and multilingual learners who are frequently underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and careers.

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We invite AFT members to join us for "Shaping Academic Minds: An AFT Belonging in STEM Initiative." In partnership with Beyond100K, this initiative is built on the belief that educators are key agents of change, capable of designing STEM classrooms that are not only academically challenging but also inclusive, joyful, engaging, and affirming for students’ identities and experiences.

 

This initiative seeks to assess what our members need and how they are creating STEM classrooms and work environments of belonging, where every student and educator, regardless of their background, feel valued, seen, heard and supported. Your voice is essential to helping us achieve this goal!

 

Who should participate?

STEM educators (including, but not limited to science, technology, computer science, engineering, math, integrated STEM, data science, and career and technical education) who identify as and/or serve Black, Latinx, Native American, neurodiverse, and multilingual learners and communities.

 

How long will this initiative last?

Action starts as soon as registration closes on Oct. 2 with the prerequisite assignments outlined below, and concludes on Nov. 15. This is just the first phase of this work. We hope to use the information gathered from you and your students to prioritize the development of professional learning resources that focus on equity in STEM education.

 

What are the requirements?
Participants must complete all of the general assignments and those specific to their selected  track to obtain a certificate of hours. Incentives and raffles will be offered every step of the way! (See track descriptions for projected number of hours.)

 

General Assignments

  1. Complete a Belonging in STEM Demographic Survey by Oct. 11.
     

  2. Attend a virtual launch meeting on Oct. 16 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. EDT.
    (Note: Flexible meeting arrangements can be made available upon request to accommodate time zones for our Pacific regions and those who lead extracurricular activities after hours.)
     

  3. Take “Being a Culturally Responsive Educator,” a 60-minute asynchronous online course provided by Beyond100K, and complete the accompanying Culturally Responsive Education Self-Assessment (30 minutes) by Nov. 15.

 

Track Options

Track 1:
Storytelling

Storytelling can be a powerful tool for understanding our collective needs and making progress toward creating classrooms of belonging, especially for underrepresented communities. This track is applicable for any STEM educator in grades 3-12 who identifies as and/or serves Black, Latinx, Native American, neurodiverse and multilingual student populations.
 

Certificate hours: 12

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Requirements:

  • You will be given step-by-step instructions on how to record and upload your story about a time when you felt like you belonged in STEM teaching or a time when you felt like you didn’t belong. Draw from your personal experience as to how you got to where you are today. All stories will be uploaded to a central digital site owned and password-protected by our partner in this initiative, Beyond100K. The AFT will have access to original data files and the transcripts of  your stories for added security. (Due by Oct. 30)

  • Complete a reflection on your experience in recording your story. Meet with your belonging coach to discuss your reflection. (Due by Nov. 15)

Track 2: Educator Surveys

Measuring collective progress toward creating classrooms of belonging, especially for underrepresented communities, is central to our work as a social justice organization. This track is well-suited for those who support STEM classrooms through instructional coaching and mentoring, as well as those who serve as department chairs or hold other leadership roles. Information gathered here will uncover specific professional learning and/or school policy and practice aspects of this work.

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Certificate hours: 12

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Requirements:

  • Use the survey administration guidelines prepared by the AFT Belonging Team to introduce the educator survey to your selected colleagues and help with implementation. (More details will be provided regarding consent forms and secure uploading of results.)

  • Analyze your results and complete a reflection section that identifies areas of strength and one area of focus related to how the STEM educators you work with feel a sense of belonging. (Suggested implementation timeline between Oct. 21 and Nov. 1)

  • Meet with your belonging coach to discuss your findings and brainstorm ideas and resources on how to address your area of focus. (Due by Nov. 15)

Track 3: Student Surveys

Measuring collective progress toward creating classrooms of belonging, especially for underrepresented communities, is central to our work as a social justice organization. This track is ideal for classroom educators who teach STEM in grades 3-12 classrooms. Information gathered here will help the AFT prioritize the development of professional learning resources and recognize AFT locals and members who are already making strides in creating inclusive, equitable STEM environments.

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Certificate hours: 12

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Requirements:

  • Use the survey administration guidelines prepared by the AFT Belonging Team to introduce the student survey to your selected students and help with implementation. Middle and high school educators should select one class period. (More details will be provided regarding consent forms and secure uploading of results.)

  • Analyze your results and complete a reflection section that identifies areas of strength and one area of focus related to how the STEM students in your class feel a sense of belonging in STEM. (Suggested implementation timeline between Oct. 21 and Nov. 1)

  • Meet with your belonging coach to discuss your findings and brainstorm ideas and resources on how to address your selected area of focus. (Due by Nov. 15)

tracks

Space is limited. Register by Oct. 2.

Note: Track changes or additions will be accommodated after the launch meeting on Oct. 16.

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