Teacher Feature: October 2024

Beth Lee

STEAM Teacher

Ranson Elementary School

Jefferson County, West Virginia

Beth was selected as a member of the 2024 STEM Teacher Leadership Academy cohort!

She is also a member of the ACCESS Lending Library Program.

1. What led you to becoming a STEAM teacher in your school, and what did you teach prior to that role?

As an elementary school student, my favorite days were when the big TV was wheeled in to show us episodes of Bill Nye the Science Guy or The Magic School Bus. Though these occasions didn’t happen often, I cherished the chance to explore the wonders of the world around me, always leaving class buzzing with questions and a curiosity that fueled my desire to learn more. When I became an elementary school teacher, I was determined to instill that same passion for science and technology in my students, helping them prepare for bright futures through rich experiences and hands-on learning. I embraced STEM integration in the general education setting, striving to spark inquiry and innovation across the subjects.

Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to become the first elementary STEAM teacher in my county, and it has been a privilege to develop engaging lessons and curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. While I have previously worked as a reading interventionist and a third-grade teacher, I can genuinely say that my current role as a STEAM teacher brings me the most joy. This is only the second year this position has existed at my school, and I’m excited to lead the way in fostering collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving in my students.

2. What is a typical day like for a STEAM teacher in your school? Are you able to collaborate with other teachers on projects and lessons for their classrooms?

As the STEAM teacher at my school, I take on a variety of roles and responsibilities. I have the privilege of seeing every class at least once a week for 45 minutes, allowing me to engage students in hands-on learning experiences across various subjects. In addition to teaching, I play a key role in supporting technology initiatives within the school. This includes maintaining an inventory of devices, troubleshooting tech issues for both students and staff, assisting with technology integration, and coordinating tech support requests with our county’s technology department.

Beyond these responsibilities, I co-produce our morning video announcements, which showcase our students and highlight the rich diversity of our school community. I also chair the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Team, serve as Co-Chair of our Local School Improvement Council, and hold the position of Vice President of our Faculty Senate. One of our school goals is for specials teachers like myself to integrate the knowledge students are learning in their general education classrooms. This collaboration allows me to work closely with other teachers on projects and lessons, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and shared goals within our school.

3. What has been your favorite lesson, project, or activity that you have shared with students in the past year?

My favorite lessons are those that engage every single student, igniting their excitement and curiosity. Teaching students from kindergarten through 5th grade allows me to explore a wide variety of topics at different levels, and I have a few standout lessons that I’d love to share. For my kindergarten and 1st grade classes, one of my favorites was an introduction to Edison Robots, made possible by the AFRL ACCESS Lending Library. It was thrilling to hear my youngest students using technical vocabulary as they collaborated and programmed their robots.

For my 2nd graders, a lesson on attracting different types of birds led us to use the engineering design process to create bird feeder prototypes. In the upper grades, students enjoyed a successful foray into computer programming, applying their coding skills to solve problems with Ozobots. These experiences not only fostered enthusiasm for STEM but also showcased the imagination and resourcefulness of my students.

4. What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part of my job is sharing the wonders of STEM with anyone who will listen! As a child, I didn’t always feel excited about school, so I’m on a mission to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging—especially in STEM. I am deeply passionate about my students and the lessons I teach, knowing they can positively shape their futures. Seeing their enthusiasm for STEM brings me immense joy. I love creating engaging lessons that allow students to be creative, resilient, and innovative.

Thank you so much, Beth!