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Teachers and education specialists from seven public school districts across Westchester County came together on March 25 to present their innovative work at the Westchester STEM Ambassadors Symposium, held at �ʼһ���’s Westchester Campus in Dobbs Ferry.

The event marked the culmination of an eight-month professional development program hosted by the �ʼһ��� Center for STEM Education. The initiative, supported by a Smart Start grant from the New York State Department of Education, aims to expand access to high-quality STEM learning in public schools by equipping educators with cutting-edge tools and student-centered teaching strategies in computer science, engineering, and educational technology.

Over the course of the program, more than 35 educators from Bedford Central, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, the Tarrytowns and White Plains school districts collaborated in vertical professional learning communities. These educators, called "STEM Ambassadors,” explored classroom innovations, tested new technologies and shared best practices in fostering critical thinking, collaboration and creativity among students.

“The symposium is a culmination of eight months of hard work,” said Dr. Meghan Marrero, professor of secondary science education and co-director of the �ʼһ��� Center for STEM Education. “We asked these professionals to dabble in new technologies, apply research to practice, and be vulnerable as they reflect with others on their classroom practice. The night’s presentations showcased the excellent work these dedicated teachers are doing to bring meaningful STEM experiences to young learners.”

Ambassadors received stipends to support the purchase of STEM education materials for their classrooms. Presentations at the symposium highlighted a wide range of innovative topics—from virtual field trips and growth mindset strategies to engineering challenges and brain breaks that support focus and engagement.

Highlights from the symposium presentations:

Bridging the Mind: STEM & Movement Breaks the Concrete-to-Abstract Problem-Solving Journey
Teachers explored how movement and reflection enhance problem-solving as students transition from hands-on experiences to abstract concepts. This approach encourages critical thinking and creativity in STEM learning.

The World is One Click Away
Presenters showcased how virtual field trips can connect students, especially those from low-income backgrounds—to global experiences and real-world applications of computing technology.

Brain Boosts in Motion: Energizing Learning with Movement
Educators demonstrated how incorporating short movement breaks into lessons enhances focus and supports digital literacy, particularly in activities involving research and keyword use.

Engaging the Minds of Students – Growth Mindset
This project engaged students in breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps. Through collaborative problem-solving and reflection, students built confidence across different subjects and grade levels.

Form and Function – Utilizing Brain Breaks
Teachers examined how brain breaks can be effectively paired with engineering lessons to increase student engagement and comprehension. The approach was adapted across various age groups.

Flexibility Meets Security
This presentation focused on the impact of flexible seating in classrooms, and how students can maintain data security while using tech tools in more adaptable learning environments.

Mindfulness in Computer Science
Educators explored integrating mindfulness strategies into computer science lessons to help students manage stress and break down complex tasks across subjects, supporting both emotional and academic growth.

Empowering Communication and Collaboration Through Digital Tools
Presenters discussed how specific, effort-focused praise can boost collaboration and outcomes when students use digital tools in group projects—especially in middle school settings.

Teaching Grit – Empowering Students for Lifelong Learning
This project promoted resilience by having students solve real-world problems through engineering challenges, like building classroom tools or designing playgrounds. Upper-grade students embraced the concept of GRIT: Growing Resilient Innovative Thinkers.

Educators shared glowing feedback about the program’s impact on their teaching and their students’ experiences.

Angelica Dardon, a first-grade dual-language teacher in Bedford, described the program as “a really enriching experience,” especially for students who may not otherwise have access to real-world learning opportunities. “We give those students that experience and help them understand that computers are a way to connect with the world,” she said.

Margaret Browning Barnickel, a technology coordinator in Bedford, emphasized how the program bridged general and special education, saying, “I liked that the program gave us the freedom to do what would work for us.”

Cristina Fonte, a sixth-grade STEM and math teacher in Ossining, was impressed by how hands-on the experience was. “We had a lot of time to work with different robots—Spheros, drones, Bee-Bots. Seeing it all come to life was so fulfilling,” she said.

Peekskill pre-K teacher Jaclyn Echevarria also praised the collaborative atmosphere, adding, “Seeing the enthusiasm and excitement makes me eager to get back in the classroom and implement these for my kiddos.”