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.
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
Excited for 2026–27
We are excited to begin a new chapter for the WNC Elementary Science/STEM Community of Practice with our 2026–27 Teacher Leadership Cohort. This group brings together passionate elementary educators from across Western North Carolina to learn with and from one another, strengthen their own science practice, and grow their influence as teacher leaders.
This year, our work will center on two priorities: student sensemaking and advocacy for elementary science. Together, we will explore how to create classrooms where students are doing the thinking, questioning, investigating, and figuring out—and how teacher leaders can help ensure elementary science has the time, attention, and support it deserves.
A highlight of the year will be our in-person professional learning day on April 28 at the Lake Logan Conference Center, where cohort members, WNC educators, and community partners will come together for a full day of learning, collaboration, and connection.
There is a lot to look forward to in 2026–27, and we are especially excited to see the ripple effect this group of teacher leaders creates across Western North Carolina.
Follow this website and join our contact list to stay up-to-date on these events.
Our Advisory Board
Patricia Bricker, Western Carolina University
Wes Davis, Open Way Learning
Leah Downing, Hazelwood Elementary
Amanda Hall, Jackson County Schools
Jennifer Love, Macon County Schools
Kristin Menickelli, Cullowhee Valley School
Morgan Pittman, NC School of Science & Math-Morganton
Liza Webster, Buncombe County Schools
Kate Whittier, Buncombe County Schools
Recent Posts
Looking Back on 2025–2026
The 2025–2026 year was one of growth, collaboration, and innovation for the WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice. Throughout the year, educators from across Western North Carolina came together with a shared commitment to strengthening elementary science...
WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice April 2026 Retreat
On April 24, educators, university partners, and community organizations from across Western North Carolina came together for the WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice Spring Retreat. Held at the beautiful Lake Logan Conference Center, the retreat provided...
WNC Elementary Science/STEM Professional Development Retreat
Join us for the third annual in-person meeting of the WNC Elementary Science/STEM Community of Practice. This day will focus on our ongoing efforts to collaborate, problem solve, innovate, and advocate for elementary science education in our region. Based upon...
Online K-5 Science Book Study
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...
June 13, 2025 Professional Development Day
WNC STEM/Science Community of Practice All-Day PD
Last Call! Register Now for June 13 PD Day
Last Call! Register now for the WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice Professional Development Day on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 9am-3pm in Cullowhee, NC. Registration closes on May 29. This event is open to all teachers, coaches, school leaders,...
Registration Open: June PD Day
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
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...
March 2025 Virtual Gathering: Tourism through STEM-Creating Local Field Guides
Our March WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering will take place on Tuesday, March 25th from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom. After a brief introduction, our highlight will focus on Tourism Through STEM--Creating Local Field Guides. Robin Welker (3rd grade...
February 2025 Virtual Gathering: STEAM Fair
Our February WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering will take place on February 18th from 4:00-5:00pm on Zoom. After a brief introduction, our highlight will focus on Engaging Students in a STEAM Fair. Kristin Menickelli from Cullowhee Valley...
2024-2025 Events and Resources
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...
Tourism through STEM-Creating Local Field Guides
Our March 2025 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Tourism Through STEM–Creating Local Field Guides. Robin Welker (3rd grade teacher at Robbinsville Elementary in Graham County) and Liz Beck (Learning Designer with RootEd) shared...
Engaging Students in a STEAM Fair
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...
Eco Explorers! Diving into Hellbender Conservation at Rosman Elementary
Our January 2025 WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Eco Explorers! Diving into Hellbender Conservation at Rosman Elementary. This project provided an inspiring example of collaboration and community engagement between Tammy Kiser...
Engaging in Science & Engineering Practices at the Beginning of the Year
On November 12, 2024, our WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Engaging in Science & Engineering Practices at the Beginning of the Year through a 4th grade example. The team that shared included Leah Downing from Hazelwood...
Phenomenon-Based Learning and the New NC Science Standards
On September 10, 2024, our WNC Elementary STEM Community of Practice virtual gathering highlighted Phenomenon-Based Learning and the New North Carolina Science Standards. The team that shared included Kate Whittier, Caroline Sgan, and Maggie Harvin from Buncombe...
Contact Us
Dr. Patricia Bricker
Western Carolina University
School of Teaching and Learning
91 Killian Building Lane, Killian 101
Cullowhee, NC 28723