Explora

Explora will design and pilot a summer pre-service teacher residency program to strengthen the pipeline for elementary STEM educators. Project partners include Central New Mexico Community College, the University of New Mexico, Scott Family Amazeum, and Louisiana Children’s Museum. The residency will integrate individualized mentoring for the teachers across museum, summer camp, and community programming to prepare teachers for STEM instruction using inquiry-based science teaching methods. Explora will produce a toolkit that includes curriculum structures, mentor training guides, coaching protocols, and evaluation instruments that museums can use nationwide to work with local colleges and pre-service teachers. By bridging informal and formal learning systems, the project will position museums as leaders in strengthening the STEM educator workforce.