Teacher Feature: April 2024

Katie Ross

Exemplary Project Coordinator & Instructional Lead Teacher

Taylor Elementary School, Arlington Public Schools

1. What's it like being the STEAM teacher in a school that's STEAM-focused? It sounds like a pretty neat role!

Being a STEAM teacher at a school that’s STEAM focused is professionally rewarding and fulfilling. With the help and support of my colleagues and administration,  I have been able to build and craft our school-wide program along with the units and lessons within my own classroom. I feel like I am able to creatively curate problem solving opportunities for my students that allow them to learn how to collaborate, communicate, be creative, use their critical thinking, be curious, problem solve, be mindful, productively struggle, and learn through mistakes.  They are then able to use these skills to solve bigger problems in our school community and beyond. Not only does every student from preK to 5th grade get a weekly STEAM lesson, but we also have quarterly school wide STEAM Days, seasonal homeroom STEAM challenges, and STEAM based assemblies for all students. This year as a staff we have put more emphasis on infusing the 4C’s into our daily instruction, too. I love being able to take what inspires me in the world of STEAM and create a spark within my students. 

2. Tell me more about your upcoming Career Fair for your students. Is this a new program?  What will students gain from this day with STEM professionals?

The idea of having a Career Day actually started about 15 years ago in my own kindergarten classroom as we were starting to develop our STEAM program.  I wanted to find a way to tap into our rich community of professionals and inspire my students.  Our school wide Career Day started in 2015 and has been continuing to grow with over 25 careers featured last year.  We focus the day around the question: What can you be? We have had everything from an Army Entomologist, Interior Designers,  NASA System Engineers, a National Security Prosecutor, a US Air Force Pilot, a Senior Brand Marketer, a Chief Police Helicopter Pilot, a Sports Marketer, and more.  Presenters focus on how they use the 4 C’s (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity) in their profession as small groups of students rotate through 10 minute presentations.  We want our students to leave inspired by the different careers that are available and start making connections to their personal interests and skills. 

3. What is one project or activity that you love sharing with your elementary learners?

It is really hard for me to choose just one project or activity that I love sharing with my elementary learners because I love them all and how they speak to different students. Currently I am teaching an Invention and Inventors unit with my second graders.  This unit stands out to me because I enjoy seeing the passion, curiosity, and creativity that it brings out in my students. The unit is crafted so that students first learn about inventors like Lonnie Johnson, their process and what makes a good inventor.  We then move into learning about the invention process as students start brainstorming ideas in their “Spark Books.”  Students work through The Design Process as they bring one of their ideas to fruition planning and prototyping. The unit culminates with an invention museum in which students take turns being museum curators and visitors as they share and answer questions about their inventions.  Watching my students take pride in answering questions about their inventions and the pride they have in their peers' ideas is so fulfilling. 

4. What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part of my job is watching students as young as three and four years old grow into their abilities of being curious and as creative problem solvers. I get to watch my students grow and extend their thinking as they move through the grades.

Thank you so much, Katie!