27 Educators Join STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps

The program aims to elevate elementary STEM education across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:26am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of colorful building blocks repeated in a grid, representing the creative and playful approach to STEM education championed by the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps.The STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps aims to elevate elementary STEM education by empowering a cohort of exceptional educators across the Mid-Atlantic region.State College Today

The Penn State College of Education's Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS) has announced the 27 members selected for the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps, a program made possible by a $5 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) National STEM Teacher Corps Regional Alliance Pilot Program. The selected educators from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia will engage in a four-year professional development experience to become leaders in elementary STEM education.

Why it matters

Elementary teachers play a crucial role in shaping how young students perceive STEM subjects, yet they are often overlooked in STEM education initiatives. The STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps aims to recognize and empower exceptional elementary STEM educators to drive change in their schools, districts, and communities.

The details

The 27 teachers were selected through a rigorous application and interview process from a pool of 73 applicants across the three states. Over the next four years, they will participate in intensive summer institutes, monthly virtual professional development, and opportunities to lead workshops, host STEM events, and present at conferences. The goal is for these educators to become leaders and advocates for elementary STEM education, amplifying their impact through social media and collaboration with peers.

  • The STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps program will run for four years, starting in the summer of 2026.
  • Members will attend a five-day, in-person institute each summer, with all travel expenses covered by the program.

The players

Kathy Hill

Director of the Penn State College of Education's Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS).

Stephanie Klixbull

Elementary STEM specialist for CSATS.

STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps

A program funded by a $5 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) National STEM Teacher Corps Regional Alliance Pilot Program, aimed at elevating elementary STEM education in the Mid-Atlantic region.

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What they’re saying

“Elementary teachers are uniquely positioned to shape how young learners see themselves in science and engineering, yet they are too often overlooked in conversations about STEM education. The STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps changes that.”

— Kathy Hill, Director of the Penn State College of Education's Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS)

“These 27 teachers bring a wealth of experience and a deep belief in the potential of every child to engage in meaningful science and engineering learning. I am excited to work alongside them over the next four years and to see the ripple effect as they lead workshops, mentor colleagues, and inspire their communities to invest in elementary STEM education.”

— Stephanie Klixbull, Elementary STEM specialist for CSATS

What’s next

The 27 selected teachers will begin their four-year professional development experience in the summer of 2026, starting with a five-day, in-person institute.

The takeaway

The STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps program recognizes the crucial role of elementary teachers in shaping students' perceptions of STEM subjects and aims to empower a cohort of exceptional educators to become leaders and advocates for elementary STEM education across the Mid-Atlantic region.