🌟 Collaboration at the Core
On June 13th, nearly 70 passionate educators from across Western North Carolina gathered at NCCAT in Cullowhee for a day of innovation, learning, and connection at our annual WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice PD Day.
The sessions were rich with ideas and strategies to elevate STEM instruction in our elementary classrooms such as integrating science with literacy, AI-supported project-based learning, and practical applications of the Science and Engineering Practices.
A heartfelt thank you to WCU’s College of Education and Allied Professions for facilitating and sponsoring this event and to NCCAT for being a gracious host. We are proud to be part of a community that puts collaboration, curiosity, and creativity at the center of education.
Let’s keep the momentum going!

Sign that reads "Western Carolina: Welcome School of Teaching and Learning; WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice PD Day"  Educators collaborating with representatives from Great Smoky Mountains National Park Educators listening to Dr Bricker present. Board reads "WNC Elementary STEM/Science Community of Practice Professional Development Day"  Educators collaborating with each other Educators collaborating with each other  Educators collaborating with each otherEducators are sitting, looking at a woman holding a white board recording data   Educators collaborating with each other  Educators collaborating with each other Educators collaborating with each other  Educators listening to a presentation    Educators are outside picking materials up from the ground as they participate in an engaging science lesson  Educators listening to a presentation   Educators listening to a presentation  Screen that shows the Zoom call with NCDPI in which Katie Luvdahl is showcasing the K-12 Science Standards Resource HubEducators listening to Dr Bricker, the board behind her reads "A Start with Group Norms"  Purple sign that reads "STEM TEACHERS ARE IN DEMAND STL.WCU.EDU WCU offers Undergraduate and Graduate STEM Education Programs for Elementary, Middle Grades and Secondary Education."