When the word “free” is associated with professional development, we listen.  STEM Education Day is a daylong, free, professional development event. It’s designed for teachers and career and technical education counselors for grades 6-12 on May 8 at George R. Brown Convention Center.

Why should we take heed and attend a STEM Education Day event? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Projections to 2018 Report, STEM jobs will be numerous in the next decade, with too few students to fill them:

“The U.S. will have more than 1.2 million job openings in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-related occupations by 2018. These include scientists, doctors, software developers and engineers. Yet, there will be a significant shortage of qualified college graduates to fill these careers. For the U.S. to succeed and continue to play a leadership role in addressing tough global challenges, we must do a better job of engaging students in these subjects and encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM-related fields.”

So in 2013, Texas universities, organizations and cities responded to the call to action for filling STEM jobs by calling attention to the issue. Celebration of STEM Education Week in Texas was born.

Our Houston STEM Education Day is providing a unique opportunity for educators. Famed demographic guru Dr. Stephen Klineberg is keynote speaker who kick starts the event at  the George R. Brown Convention Center on May 8 at 9 a.m. Klineberg discusses how demographic changes are impacting our community.

Afternoon sessions include STEM roundtable discussions from Harmony Public Schools students; a teacher and counselor resource fair; lunch and awards; and a corporate roundtable discussion.

HCDE is helping to sponsor the event, and we will be providing information about our Alternative Teacher and Principal Certification programs in the exhibitors’ area.

Please consider attending. After all, free is the operative word. Register here.

About the Blogger:
Lidia G. Zatopek is director of Alternative Certification and the Principal Certification Academy at HCDE. She has 25 years experience in education serving as teacher, assistant principal, principal and administrator. In her former career, she attempted to juggle four languages as an interpreter/linguist. Becoming an educator made her realize education has a language of its own, adding another juggling ball. In her leisure time and while not contemplating running marathons, she enjoys reading anything and everything about science and medicine.