06/08/2026
Dr. Theresa Engle, Education Department Professor and Chair, was featured in the Northwest Iowa STEM Newsletter this month as one of the newest Northwest STEM Advisory Board Members. We are incredibly thankful for her heart for future educators and her commitment to advancing high‑quality science instruction. Her influence reaches far beyond campus, shaping the future of STEM learning across our region.
"I have spent over 40 years in education, a journey that has shaped both who I am and how I view teaching and learning. Twenty-one of those years were in elementary schools, all but one in fifth grade, where I had the opportunity to teach every subject. Those years gave me a deep appreciation for the whole child and the importance of building strong foundational skills. Science, in particular, has become a subject close to my heart.
After my time in elementary education, I transitioned into higher education, where I have spent nearly 20 years working with future educators. Over the decades, I have witnessed a significant shift in how subjects like science and math are taught. In the 1980s and 1990s, instruction often relied heavily on textbooks, worksheets, and memorization, with limited opportunities for interaction or hands-on learning. While students gained knowledge, they were not always encouraged to deeply understand concepts or apply them in meaningful ways.
Today, our understanding of teaching and learning has evolved tremendously. We now recognize the importance of inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application. Students are encouraged not just to learn content, but to make connections across disciplines and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. This shift is especially important as we prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, fields that are rapidly evolving and, in many cases, did not even exist a decade ago. By focusing on problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation, we are equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world."
https://educate.iowa.gov/iowa-stem/stem-regions/nw-region
