The following was written by Jessica Minton, a high school science teacher and DoD STEM Ambassador. DoD STEM Ambassadors work with the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) to advance STEM outreach for students who are underrepresented in STEM or military connected. Minton was selected by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency as their DoD STEM Ambassador for the 2023-2024 school year.

While I am a teacher by profession, I am also a student who loves lifelong learning. I believe that expecting the best from my students requires me to strive for excellence as well. Students are diverse, in looks, classroom abilities, and life experiences—as are teachers. I view our differences as parts of a rainbow that reminds me to tailor curricula that constantly challenges me and my students to become the best versions of ourselves.

How does an educator go about fostering a mindset of a lifelong learner? The answer is by understanding that while collaboration is important, networking and building strong relationships are crucial. Sometimes this means venturing outside your neighborhood or community, which may in turn lead to traveling outside your state or country. Following are several of my favorite programs that have challenged me as an educator and increased my love of science.

Science at Sea Program

I like to share personal educational experiences during lessons to help students feel connected to me and other students, with the goal of expanding their awareness about the world. This helps me challenge myself to be intentional about creating partnerships, participating in global educational projects, and using real-world lessons that align with required science standards. For example, during a trip to Peru with a global fellowship, I took pictures, made videos, and exchanged ideas with Peruvian educators, who shared several ideas I bought back to my classes. Shortly thereafter, I had the opportunity to join the Alaska Educational Cruise with Steve Spangler, part of the Science at Sea program, which is an Alaska cruise and land adventure featuring STEM learning sessions. Opportunities like these have helped me think outside the box and better prepare my students to become higher-level thinkers.

It has been fun and stimulating to incorporate these experiences into new lessons. For example, Peruvian glaciers sit atop their mountain ranges. They are melting, but they look very different from those in Alaska's Glacier National Park. While sharing real experiences through photos, I challenge my students to compare and contrast ecosystems, assess human impact, and detail future challenges affecting wildlife, water needs, and land conservation.

Joint Science and Technology Institute

After acceptance to the Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI) in 2018, I was able to work with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency during a 2-week funded Research Experience for Teachers program in Maryland. It was thrilling to work in a world-class laboratory doing hands-on research with military and civilian research scientists. I learned all about acetylcholinesterase, 3D modeling, and the importance of reactivation of enzymes that impact life. I worked alongside educators from across the United States as well as DoDEA schools conducting professional development and research, collaborating, and networking! This experience was perfect for lifelong learners, plus a bonus was developing friendships and partnerships that have been maintained across miles and through the years. The program concluded with a presentation accompanied by a research poster, which still resides on my classroom wall, where it comes in handy every year to show students how research can lead to a STEM career. It is also an example of the importance of understanding life from micro and macro levels.

Teachers Air Camp

Another phenomenal program is the Teachers Air Camp in Dayton, Ohio. This rigorous and fast-paced adventure program pairs teachers with STEM professionals to work on curriculum about aviation while learning to fly! Educators from a variety of backgrounds nationwide work together on hands-on modules while sharing good food and visiting amazing sites. We toured many important sites in aviation and military history, including the Air Force Museum and sites where the Wright Brothers achieved their first flights. We also were matched with a flight instructor and became student pilots before touring interesting and behind-the-scenes areas of Dayton International Airport. This incredible program combined networking, collaboration, hands-on learning, real-world adventures, and classroom resources (such as a wind tunnel).

Modeling the Molecular World Summer Course

The Modeling the Molecular World Summer Course allows students to model important scientific content and educators to step into a dual role as both student and educator. As a student, I engaged in powerful and interesting molecular stories, used model kits to dive deeper into content (such as DNA replication, water and salt molecules, and enzymes), and worked with my peers in collaborative groups. As an educator, I developed deeper skills for using models in the classroom and challenging student thinking and questioning. I brought home models and materials to use in the classroom with my students.

When teachers model being a lifelong learner using critical thinking, organizational skills, and content knowledge, students learn. It is just as important to model adventure, passion for life, and a love for learning. Making connections with colleagues all over the globe brings diversity, connections, and real-world examples that will help you inspire the next generation of world changers.