INSPIRING EDUCATORS: AT EVERY LEVEL.

• Position: EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION

Courtney Chambers knew she wanted to be a teacher. Elementary education was the path she planned to pursue. But, it wasn't until she came to High Point University's Stout School of Education that she discovered her true passion and an avenue to her dream job--STEM Education.

She quickly discovered that math and science were her favorite classes in the School of Education. Her professors knew how to make the subjects fun--a skill she admired. That's when she knew that STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education was an area she'd be interested in teaching.

And the school made a path for her to pursue. Offering a B.A. to M.A. program in Elementary STEM education, the School of Education invites undergraduates to apply for a fifth year following the completion of their bachelor's degree. In one additional year, students graduate with their M.Ed, in STEM education, making them specialists on the subject and in the field of elementary science and math instruction.

After graduating from the master's program, Chambers heard of a charter school opening in nearby Charlotte, North Carolina. The school was a STEM academy, and Chambers knew it would be a rewarding career path.

She's now the STEM and robotics teacher for kindergarten through fifth grade at the school, and it's nothing short of her dream job.

THE BLOCKS THAT PAVE THE WAY

While Chambers was a student, she worked under HPU's Dr. Shirley Disseler, affectionately known as the "Lego Lady."

Disseler is an associate professor in the School of Education and heads the STEM education program. As a Certified Lego Trainer, Disseler leads the Center for Educational Outreach and Teacher Training at HPU, where she works with local teachers in Lego Education product training.

"HPU's School of Education is known for the amazing Lego Days that Dr. Disseler hosts for the surrounding areas," says Chambers. "While I was a student, I was able to work these Lego Days and learn all about the different Lego Education curricula available for the classroom. I was working hands-on with local elementary-age students using what would turn out to be the exact Lego products I have in my very own classroom today.

"These Lego Days prepared me for my job more than I can explain. I've been able to teach, using the Lego knowledge Dr. Disseler gave me, to six different grade levels at my school. I've also been able to assist fellow teachers in using Lego Education in their own classrooms. I can't image the...