WNC Elementary STEM CoP

Western North Carolina
Elementary STEM Community of Practice

A Western Carolina University initiative to connect Western North Carolina elementary science and STEM educators through collaborative discussions and activities focused on improving K-6 STEM education in our region.

 

A Western Carolina University initiative to connect Western North Carolina elementary science and STEM educators through collaborative discussions and activities focused on improving K-6 STEM education in our region.

 

Collaborate. Problem solve.  Innovate.  Advocate.

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Our Vision

Connect people passionate about elementary STEM education in WNC

Strengthen elementary STEM teaching and learning in WNC

Learn from and with each other

Create sustained partnerships that organically grow

2025-2026 

Our Community of Practice priority for 2025-2026 is to enhance grade-level specific supports that have potential for tangible impact on classroom practice. 

In Fall 2025, we will pilot this grade-level work with a third grade focus in which teachers and science education experts in Western North Carolina collaborate through three Zoom meetings between October and December.  We intend to expand this work with a larger launch for more elementary grade levels in Spring 2026. 

Our plans include partnering with NC DPI to co-sponsor and co-facilitate a book study on Rise and Thrive with Science: Teaching PK-5 Science and Engineering. 

We look forward to an in-person community of practice PD day and retreat on Friday, April 24, 2026. 

Follow this website and join our contact list to stay up-to-date on these events.

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Our Advisory Board

Patricia Bricker, Western Carolina University

Leah Downing, Hazelwood Elementary

Jennifer Love, Macon County Schools

Kristin Menickelli, Cullowhee Valley School

Randi Neff, Smoky Mountain STEM Collaborative

Ben Owens, Open Way Learning

Morgan Pittman, NC School of Science & Math-Morganton

Liza Webster, Buncombe County Schools

Robin Welker, Robbinsville Elementary

Kate Whittier, Buncombe County Schools

Christi Whitworth, NC Science Leadership Association

 

Recent Posts

Online K-5 Science Book Study

by | Oct 24, 2025 | ,

Join fellow elementary educators for a collaborative three-session book study, co-facilitated by NC DPI and our WNC Elementary Science/STEM Community of Practice, exploring Rise and Thrive with Science, a practical and inspiring guide to strengthening science and...

Registration Open: June PD Day

by | Apr 2, 2025 | ,

Join us for the WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice Professional Development Day on Friday, June 13th from 9am-3pm in Cullowhee, NC. This event is open to all teachers, coaches, school leaders, professional development providers, and community partners...

Save the Date! June 13, 2025

by | Mar 12, 2025 |

The WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice will facilitate an in-person professional development day on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 9:00-3:00 in Cullowhee, NC.  We hope you will join us for an exciting opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share...

2024-2025 Events and Resources

by | Sep 22, 2025 |

In 2024-2025, our community of practice focused on five virtual gatherings and we learned through teachers sharing innovative practices and participants reflecting, collaborating, and planning ways to apply their learning.  In June 2025. we also held our second annual...

Engaging Students in a STEAM Fair

by | Feb 19, 2025 | ,

Our February 2025 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Engaging Students in a STEAM Fair.  Kristin Menickelli from Cullowhee Valley School in Jackson County shared her journey into the STEAM Fair and leading efforts at her K-8...

Contact Us

Dr. Patricia Bricker

Western Carolina University

School of Teaching and Learning

91 Killian Building Lane, Killian 101

Cullowhee, NC 28723

bricker@wcu.edu