Thinkery’s mission is to lead the future of play-based STEAM learning experiences that inspire and equip ALL children to be confident, creative thinkers. A critical component of advancing this mission is our newly founded STEAM Learning Institute –Thinkery’s body of work dedicated to inclusive research, development, and training on what play-based, child-centered STEAM learning is, how it happens, and how we evaluate its impact.
We’re thrilled to introduce the team behind our STEAM Learning Institue. From advocating for early childhood education to providing professional development programs to educators, our STEAM Learning Team is doing wonders to bring Thinkery’s hands-on, play-based approach to learning to other educators and classrooms throughout Central Texas.
Keep reading to learn more about what Thinkery’s STEAM Learning Team is working toward achieving in 2023.
Patricia Rodriguez (Instructional Coach)
“This year, I aim to foster more playful experiences in our professional development. My focus will be developing meaningful relationships with our strategic partners, thinking through ways of celebrating educators, and developing tools to make our learning experiences even more accessible.”
Elizabeth Jameson (Senior Instructional Coach)
“I look forward to continuing to grow and deepen our partnerships with educators, supporting their journey by integrating playful STEAM learning into the classroom and sharing in the joy and wonder that inquiry and discovery can bring to learning experiences.”
Molli Harrison (Instructional Coach)
“My goal for this year is to provide more opportunities to promote personal and professional growth and development for educators, which in turn supports best practices for the young children in our community.”
Brooke Turner (Vice President of STEAM Learning)
“I’d say one big goal for this year is to see more of the amazing outcomes of culturally responsive STEAM learning teaching practices across the schools and learning spaces with which we’re collaborating.”
Brittany Labinger (Instructional Coach)
“One goal for this year is to continue to develop and evolve our programs to work with educators to meet them where they are.”
Dena De La Paz (Senior Instructional Coach)
“My one big goal for this year is to deepen our relationships with educators who’ve participated in our professional development programs and cultivate an alumni community to support the continued growth and impact of STEAM practices in practices.”
Special thanks to the Powell Foundation, Silicon Labs, and Millipore Sigma for supporting this work!