Exploring Teacher Perspectives of STEM Outreach Sessions

Teachers have a responsibility to create and foster engaging learning environments which encourage underrepresented persons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Outreach programs have been shown to increase STEM engagement of students. We use a positive psychology lens to investigate STEM outreach and teacher wellbeing. This exploratory study uses a survey and focus group to assess how a STEM outreach program can create teacher feelings of support, confidence, and enjoyment. Results demonstrate that most teachers felt more confident in teaching STEM following the STEM-mentor facilitated outreach sessions. The positive benefits to teacher wellbeing from outreach program mentorship, is discussed.