Inside USBE > Departments and Programs > Teaching and Learning > Academic Areas and Supporting Programs > Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Welcome to the Utah State Board of Education STEM department. Below you will find contact information for our STEM Team. Please reach out if you have questions, comments, or concerns about all things STEM
Utah State Board of Education Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Application for the Utah State Board of Education Elementary STEM Endorsement
Utah State Board of Education Educator Licensing
Elementary STEM Endorsement Course Overview
Energy in STEM for Elementary Teachers
Force in STEM for Elementary Teachers
Mathematics for Teaching K-8 Data Analysis and Problem-Solving
Matter in STEM for Elementary Teachers
Nature of Science and Engineering
STEM Practices with a Focus on Technology and Problem-Based Learning
To support educators in having access to the most current information in the progressive domain of STEM education, the Elementary STEM Endorsement is under revision. The following sections provide information about the updated purpose for the endorsement, who may earn it, requirements to earn it, and the writing process.
The purpose of Utah’s Elementary STEM Endorsement is to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content areas through the inclusion of sound classroom pedagogy, embedded authentic communication, and reflection on relevant standards and practices. The course frameworks are designed to ensure that practicing K-6 educators gain the knowledge and skills needed (a) to deepen student learning in STEM disciplines, (b) to make natural connections between these disciplines, (c) to promote authentic learning experiences for students, and (d) to promote college and career awareness of STEM opportunities.
The Utah Elementary STEM Endorsement is intended for K-6 educators and may be added to a Utah Educator License that contains an Elementary or Special Education area of concentration.
Educators may earn an Elementary STEM Endorsement by taking three courses beyond either an Elementary Science or Elementary Mathematics Endorsement or by taking a combination of six courses from these two endorsements plus the three STEM courses (see graphic below). All courses must have grades of C or better.
Elementary STEM Endorsement (In addition to either an Elementary Science or Mathematics Endorsement or a combination of six courses from the two endorsements)
Elementary Science Endorsement-Coming Soon in 2021!
Elementary Mathematics Endorsement
STEM for Teaching K-6 Science
STEM for Teaching K-6 Technology and Engineering
STEM for Teaching K-6 Mathematics
Nature of Science
Systems in Science
Matter and Energy in Science
Cause and Effect in Science
Stability and Change in Science
Classroom Practice in Science
Mathematics for Teaching K-6 Numbers and Operation
Mathematics for Teaching K-6 Rational Numbers and Proportional Reasoning
Mathematics for Teaching K-6 Geometry and Measurement
Mathematics for Teaching K-6 Algebraic Reasoning
Mathematics for Teaching K-6 Data Analysis and Problem Solving
Mathematics for Teaching K-6 Assessment and Intervention
The new Elementary STEM Endorsement framework will be accepted starting in January 2021. For those who have completed or are currently enrolled in the prior STEM Endorsement framework, the name will be changed to Elementary STEM Endorsement with a Science Emphasis. Teachers may choose to either finish that endorsement or to have the coursework transferred to an aligned course in the new Elementary Science Endorsement. Paperwork to make this designation will be included on the Elementary STEM and Science Endorsement application forms as of January 2021. This choice is available through June 2022.
Frameworks for required courses were designed by teams of educators from Higher Education, Local Educational Authorities, and Charter schools. They are based on the Utah Science with Engineering (SEEd) Standards, the Utah Core Standards for Mathematics, and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards and their supporting research documents. Also, there is no recommended sequence. The courses may be taken in any order.
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) will be offering a new session of the STEM Institute in 2021. An announcement will be posted to this page and sent to the STEM Listserv when details are finalized.
In collaboration with a team of principals, teachers, district specialists, and the STEM Action Center, USBE specialists have developed a new focus for the institute! This reimagined institute will address developing a STEM culture for your context through systemness by including district and site administration, coaches, and classroom educators. Through the five days of this professional learning opportunity, each school or district team will work to design a STEM vision for their education community as well as develop an action plan to help them achieve this vision. Institute attendees participate in sessions where teams work together as a team and in job alike breakouts sessions that address job specific topics. This will allow time for all to collaborate as teams and with fellow colleagues. Another new feature for this coming institute, the sessions will be completely online, which will allow for teams to work together at their location without having to travel. Also, consulting coaches will be available to support individual teams and provide support for individual needs.
This institute is a game changer! By working together as a team and getting feedback and buy-in from the rest of the stakeholders in your context, your educational community can be an effective STEM culture!
The STEM 2019-2020 Institute was a huge success with John Hughes and Tami Bird leading the way as site Administrative Lead Facilitators.
Session One Presentation
Google Docs
Session Two Presentation | Session Three Presentation | Session Four Presentation
Google Docs
Session Five Presentation
Google Docs
The STEM EIP was created in July of 2019 to incentivize educators across the state to achieve endorsements in the STEM subjects. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) will be using these funds to provide reimbursement for applicable STEM endorsement coursework for both elementary and secondary educators. For more information, please refer to the STEM Endorsement Incentive Program Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) Google Docs.
The MOST Program’s goal is to create support for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in attracting and retaining mathematics and science teachers while simultaneously offering more opportunities for students and effectively using the capacity of capital facilities. The legislature has historically allocated $6.2 million annually to support LEAs in pursuing these goals across the state.
The application period for MOST is currently closed.
Informal Science Education Enhancement (iSEE) is a collaborative partnership between Clark Planetarium, Discovery Gateway, The Leonardo, The Living Planet Aquarium, Red Butte Garden, Natural History Museum of Utah, HawkWatch International, Thanksgiving Point, and the Utah State Board of Education.
iSEE programs serve K-12 teachers and students and are designed to spark students' natural curiosity and sense of wonder by providing exciting opportunities to experience science, practice science skills, and gain a deeper understanding of science.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)