Brenda Kaufmann.

TRAER – The Midwest STEM Alliance has recruited 18 outstanding elementary science teachers across three states to participate in an initiative funded by the National Science Foundation, including North Tama’s own Brenda Kaufmann.

Collectively, the initiative includes six educators from Iowa, six from Kansas, and six from Minnesota. Backed by a $5 million NSF grant, this new project is led by Principal Investigator Dana Atwood-Blaine, PhD, at the University of Northern Iowa and is aimed at celebrating, resourcing, and strengthening the work of rural elementary science educators who are making a lasting impact on their students and communities.

Kaufmann, a second grade teacher at North Tama Elementary, was selected to join this prestigious group as a Corps member.

“For me, everything comes back to my students. Young children are capable of so much in the STEM area. Investigating and figuring things out are right up their alley,” Kaufmann said.

The initiative officially kicked off this past June, when the Corps gathered in person at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls for a two-day Summer Institute focused on collaboration, learning, and leadership development. As they build a strong community of practice, these teacher leaders are creating new opportunities for their students, inspiring their peers, and advancing STEM education throughout the Midwest.

To support their mission, Corps members receive an annual stipend for four years. They are also provided with dedicated funding for science curriculum, supplies, and materials to directly meet their classroom instructional needs. This March, the group will travel to the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference in Boston to learn the latest STEM teaching strategies and bring exciting, hands-on science activities back to their classrooms.

Later this year, 60 additional teachers will be recruited to the Rural Cohort. By the third year of the grant, the primary STEM Corps teachers will actively co-plan and co-lead professional learning sessions for this expanding group. Ultimately, the project pairs top science researchers with experienced veteran classroom teachers to enhance elementary science education in rural areas.

By elevating science instruction that integrates both literacy and math, the Midwest STEM Alliance will ensure rural educators receive the recognition, resources, and growth opportunities they deserve, helping students thrive across subjects and building a lasting foundation for rural science education.