Archdiocese Hosts First Stem Workshop for Elementary School Leadership; International Researcher to Present on the 21st Century Learner

The Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools is hosting the first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Leadership workshop for principals and senior teaching staff on Friday, September 21 starting at 8:30 AM. Ian Jukes, an international research consultant will present on “Understanding the Digital Generation and 21st Century Fluency”. The workshop will take place at Immaculate Conception School, one of seven elementary schools recognized by the Archdiocese of Baltimore as a STEM designated school. Other STEM schools include: Holy Angels Catholic School, Baltimore; Resurrection-St. Paul School, Ellicott City; Our Lady of Grace School, Parkton; St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Pasadena; St. Joan of Arc School, Aberdeen; and St. John Regional School, Frederick.

“Students today are neurologically wired differently than previous generations.; And because they are wired differently than we are, they not only see, but also interact with the world in a very different way than we do.” said workshop presenter Ian Jukes in a recent interview. According to Catholic schools superintendent, Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson, “Current neuroscience research indicates the brain has been profoundly affected according to the digital culture into which a person was born. Catholic schools have always fostered the development of the whole child and as our children adapt, so too do our teaching methods. We are very excited to hear Mr. Jukes present on 21st Century learning needs.”

The STEM workshop is open to all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The professional development workshop is an extension of the Department of Catholic Schools theme for the 2012/2013 year to support the learning needs of all students “In the Image and Likeness of God”.

On Friday, September 21, 2012, Immaculate Conception School, located at 112 Ware Avenue, Towson, MD, will serve as the host school for the professional development workshop. Doors open at 8:30 AM.

Sean Caine

Sean Caine is Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Communications