Building Capacity for Teaching Engineering in K-12 Education

Engineering education is emerging as an important component of US K-12 education. Across the country, students in classrooms and after- and out-of-school programs are participating in hands-on, problem-focused learning activities using the engineering design process. These experiences can be engaging; support learning in other areas, such as science and mathematics; and provide a window into the important role of engineering in society. As the landscape of K-12 engineering education continues to grow and evolve, educators, administrators, and policy makers should consider the capacity of the US education system to meet current and anticipated needs for K-12 teachers of engineering. Building Capacity for Teaching Engineering in K-12 Education reviews existing curricula and programs as well as related research to understand current and anticipated future needs for engineering-literate K-12 educators in the United States and determine how these needs might be addressed. Key topics in this report include the preparation of K-12 engineering educators, professional pathways for K-12 engineering educators, and the role of higher education in preparing engineering educators. This report proposes steps that stakeholders - including professional development providers, postsecondary preservice education programs, postsecondary engineering and engineering technology programs, formal and informal educator credentialing organizations, and the education and learning sciences research communities - might take to increase the number, skill level, and confidence of K-12 teachers of engineering in the United States. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Engineering and K12 Education 3 Goals of K12 Engineering Education 4 The Workforce of K12 Teachers of Engineering 5 Professional Learning 6 Creating a System of Support for K12 Engineering Teachers 7 Conclusions and Recommendations Appendix A: Committee Biographies Appendix B: Educator Capacity Building in PreK12 Engineering Education: Workshop 1 Agenda: April 1820, 2017 Appendix C: Educator Capacity Building in PreK12 Engineering Education: Workshop 2 Agenda: August 30, 2017