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Inclusive Science Teaching & Learning
A virtual professional development experience for K–12 educators
About the Institute
About the Institute
Science classrooms should be places where all students feel capable, valued, and able to participate meaningfully in learning. However, many educators receive little support in understanding how culture, identity, and classroom structures shape students’ experiences in science learning.
The STEM for ALL Institute is designed to support educators in implementing current research and best practices in equity and inclusion. Implementation will focus on practical classroom teaching strategies.
Grounded in current research in:
science education,
intercultural competence,
and Ambitious Science Teaching,
the institute provides opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and classroom-based implementation.
Participants will:
explore how culture and identity shape teaching and learning,
learn research-based strategies for equitable science instruction,
and implement one meaningful change in their own classroom or program.
Why This Institute Is Different
Why This Institute Is Different
Practical and Manageable
Practical and Manageable
This institute is designed for busy educators. Rather than requiring participants to redesign everything they do, the focus is on making one meaningful, research-based change that is realistic and sustainable.
Collaborative and Supportive
Collaborative and Supportive
Participants will engage in learning circles, discussion, and optional coaching support throughout the institute.
Personalized Reflection
Personalized Reflection
Participants will complete the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and receive individualized feedback and support for professional growth
Focused on Real Classroom Practice
Focused on Real Classroom Practice
The institute emphasizes practical science teaching strategies that can be implemented directly in classrooms and educational programs.
Program Overview
Program Overview
August to September
August to September
IDI Assessment
Individual Debrief Session
Orientation and Preparation
September
September
Six virtual learning sessions focused on:
culture and identity,
equity in science teaching,
and practical instructional strategies.
October to December
October to December
Participants will:
implement one meaningful classroom or program change,
participate in small group learning circles,
and receive optional coaching support.
December
December
Reflection and Sharing Session
Post-IDI Debrief
Next Steps Planning
Estimated Time Commitment
Estimated Time Commitment
Approximately 15 to 20 total hours across the institute.
What Participants Receive
What Participants Receive
Participants in the institute will receive:
Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment
Individualized IDI debrief session
STEM Cultural Competence Development Plan
Six synchronous virtual learning sessions
Access to curated STEM teaching resources
Collaborative learning circle support
Optional individual coaching
Certificate of completion
Who Should Apply
Who Should Apply
This institute is designed for:
K–12 science educators
STEM educators
teachers interested in improving participation and engagement in science learning
Educators at all stages of their careers are welcome.
No prior background in equity or intercultural competence is required.
About the Facilitators
About the Facilitators
Dr. Vanessa Klein
Dr. Vanessa Klein
(She / Her)
(She / Her)
University of Maine Cooperative Extenstion
4-H STEM Specialist and Associate Professor of Education
Vanessa is an Associate Professor of Science Education and 4-H STEM Specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Her work focuses on:
elementary science education,
equitable STEM teaching,
Ambitious Science Teaching,
teacher professional development,
informal STEM Education,
and intercultural competence.
Vanessa is also a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and has extensive experience supporting educators in developing more inclusive and engaging learning environments. She was a high school science teacher and enjoys nature, reading, and singing.
Dr. Evan Mooney
Dr. Evan Mooney
(He, Him, His)
(He, Him, His)
Husson University
Assistant Professor of Education
Evan is an Assistant Professor of Education at Husson University.
His work focuses on:
interdisciplinary science and social studies education
climate change education
multiculturalism and diversity education
critical racial literacy
educational theory
Evan was a high school social studies teacher, and enjoys fishing, nature, and off-grid living in the woods of Maine.
Registration
Registration
Registration Includes:
Registration Includes:
all institute sessions,
IDI assessment and debrief,
access to institute materials and resources,
learning circle participation,
and optional coaching support.
Cost
Cost
Early Bird (through July 31) - $169
Regular Registration - $229
Group Rate - $149 per person for 3+ educators from the same school or district.
To support meaningful discussion, collaboration, and individualized feedback, participation in the Fall 2026 cohort is limited to approximately 16 educators.
If interest exceeds available space, a waitlist may be created for future cohorts.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
4-H Youth Development
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Dr. Vanessa Klein at vanessa.klein@maine.edu
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
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