Get Ready to Explore, Create, and Connect at RWU's Inaugural Dream with STEAM Conference for K-12 Educators and Leaders

RWU offers professional development opportunity in STEAM education for K-12 educators that will help shape the future of learning for students

By Jordan J. Phelan '19
A Roger Williams University student teaches a local fourth-grade student about wind turbine design.

BRISTOL, R.I. – In a day of interactive STEAM learning and collaboration, K-12 educators and educational leaders are invited to immerse themselves in the world of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and more, at the Roger Williams University Dream with STEAM conference, an engaging professional development event taking place on Saturday, April 27, at RWU’s Bristol campus.

Hosted by the RWU Department of Education, with partners across a wide range of academic disciplines, this interdisciplinary event is designed to ignite creativity and foster collaboration. Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore Over 25 Breakout Sessions: Dive into the thrilling world of STEAM education with interactive workshops facilitated by RWU faculty on a wide array of topics, including robotics, coding, energy, food science, STEAM integration, and more.
  • Immerse Yourself in a Makerspace Adventure: Engage in hands-on learning at our makerspace, featuring 3D printing and captivating demonstrations.
  • Be Inspired by a Special Panel of Women in STEAM: Gain valuable insights and inspiration from a panel of accomplished women who have made significant contributions to STEAM fields, moderated by RWU students.
  • Enjoy Live Music and Catered Lunch: Take a break from the excitement with live music performances and savor a delicious catered lunch. All-day snacks and refreshments will also be provided — all included in the ticket price.
  • Win Prizes: Lucky attendees will have the chance to win several high-quality items through our exciting giveaways.

"This is a groundbreaking conference opportunity accessible to educators throughout New England. STEAM is the future for elementary and secondary education, and interdisciplinary approaches to learning, with powerful combinations of a range of academic disciplines at the heart of Roger Williams University’s approach to learning,” said Jeffrey Meriwether, Dean of the Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts and Education. “The conference will focus on the excellent scholarship produced by our students and faculty, bringing its advantages to bear on conference attendees. We’re excited to share our good work and develop new partnerships and hopefully new student pathways with area schools.”

In addition to the enriching sessions and activities, Dream with STEAM offers Rhode Island and Massachusetts educators professional development points, and all participants will receive a certificate of attendance to commemorate their involvement in this transformative event.

"Our goal is to ensure educators to feel deeply valued and celebrated at this conference, while simultaneously broadening their teaching capabilities across an array of new domains," said Visiting Assistant Professor of STEM Education Katherine Blagden. "Featuring a wide selection of academic subjects delivered by distinguished experts in the sciences, technology, the arts, humanities, engineering, and beyond, educators attending the Dream with STEAM conference will gain access to vast knowledge and innovative activities to enrich their classrooms.”

Dream with STEAM will take place on April 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Global Heritage Hall building, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, R.I. Tickets are available for $30 for educators and $10 for students. To register, visit https://rwutickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2342&p=1. With limited space available, early registration is strongly encouraged.

Dream with STEAM is made possible with the help of several partners, including the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, East Bay Educational Collaborative, KinderLab Robotics, Public Broadcasting Service, and Rhode Island Science Teachers Association.

For more information about the conference, please contact rmccormack@rwu.edu.

Join the conversation and share your excitement using #RWUDreamWithSTEAM.