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 ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Engineering and K12 Education3 Goals of K12 Engineering Education4 The Workforce of K12 Teachers of Engineering5 Professional Learning6 Creating a System of Support for K12 Engineering Teachers7 Conclusions and RecommendationsAppendix A: Committee BiographiesAppendix B: Educator Capacity Building in PreK12 Engineering Education: Workshop 1 Agenda: April 1820, 2017Appendix C: Educator Capacity Building in PreK12 Engineering Education: Workshop 2 Agenda: August 30, 2017