The Science Math Resource Center (SMRC) in the Montana State University Department of Education is devoted to the advancement of STEM teaching and learning. The Center provides professional development for K-12 educators of rural, tribal and urban communities; conducts educational research; and offers STEM programming opportunities for youth of all ages. As part of the Education and Workforce Development team for Montana NSF EPSCoR, SMRC seeks to advance EPSCoR’s mission of strengthening STEM capacity and capability within the state of Montana. This report is an encapsulation of the professional development needs and interests of Montana K-12 educators, with a particular emphasis on teachers of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). We believe these findings provide a unique opportunity for Montana University System researchers and others with access to STEM resources to strategize on how those resources can be shared with the K-12 education community, thus advancing the broader impacts of our research. Findings in this report can also offer insights to school administrators, other professional development providers and agencies that support classroom teachers.
Montana K-12 Educator Needs Assessment Survey Report 2024