STEM Jobs Classroom Training Series Expands Teacher Support to Connect Students with High-Growth Careers
“Teachers play a critical role in revealing to students the beauty and excitement of studying science, technology, engineering and math—and then connecting those challenging subjects to the real world.” — Daniel Nichols, President of STEM JobsSM at Victory Media.
PITTSBURGH, PA (March 10, 2015) — STEM JobsSM, the national K–12 STEM solutions platform from Victory Media, has collaborated with leading educators to launch the research-driven STEM Jobs Classroom Training Series. Designed as a practical professional development resource for K–12 teachers, this program focuses on scalable, classroom-ready strategies that foster student interest, reduce anxiety around STEM subjects, and link classroom learning to attainable career pathways.
The Classroom Training Series was developed to help teachers create classroom environments where students of all backgrounds can feel capable and confident studying science, technology, engineering, and math. The series introduces seven evidence-based principles of practice that teachers can apply immediately to engage learners, encourage persistence, and make STEM learning meaningful by highlighting real-world applications and careers.
Daniel Nichols, President of STEM JobsSM at Victory Media, emphasizes the program’s core mission: “Teachers play a critical role in revealing to students the beauty and excitement of studying science, technology, engineering and math—and then connecting those challenging subjects to the real world. Research illustrates that today’s teens are interested in pursuing meaningful work and rewarding careers. Showing them the intriguing problems STEM fields confront—and how STEM professionals are in a unique position to solve the world’s most vexing problems—is key to inspiring them to pursue STEM learning and to address the larger economic issue of a skills shortage.”
The Classroom Training Series begins with a set of free introductory videos that address the top challenges STEM teachers face in today’s classrooms. Each video defines STEM in a classroom context, offers practical steps to reduce student anxiety around STEM subjects, and frames STEM learning within the STEM Jobs message of “Do What You Love.” These concise resources aim to help teachers answer the common student question, “When am I ever going to use this?” by illustrating clear connections between academic concepts and real job roles.
Beyond the free video content, the series is organized into five modules comprising 34 lessons. This structure supports sustained teacher development over time, allowing educators to integrate new practices into their daily instruction and to revisit concepts as classroom needs evolve. The lessons are intentionally practical, focusing on classroom strategies that promote engagement, build student confidence, and strengthen the link between academic content and career opportunities.
Dr. Candace Walkington, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at Southern Methodist University, notes the series’ alignment with education research: “The STEM Jobs Classroom Training Series features research-based principles that address the challenges teachers face every day: engaging students and inspiring them to pursue STEM careers.” By drawing on proven practices from education research and experienced practitioners, the series aims to support teachers in creating inclusive, motivating STEM learning experiences.
STEM JobsSM supports schools, districts, colleges, and employers nationwide with a range of services designed to bridge classroom learning and high-growth careers. These services include performance benchmarking, recruiting solutions, workforce advisement, and professional development tools. The Classroom Training Series complements these offerings by preparing teachers to spark student interest early and to help learners see the long-term value of STEM education.
For K–12 educators seeking to increase student engagement in STEM and to prepare young people for meaningful career paths, the STEM Jobs Classroom Training Series offers a research-informed, classroom-ready approach. By emphasizing real-world connections, reducing subject anxiety, and providing clear pathways from learning to careers, the program supports teachers in cultivating the next generation of STEM professionals who can pursue work they love.