STEM BEST Program Gets Boost from Expert Mentors

2021-2022 STEM BEST Program mentors play a critical role in supporting the expansion of work-based learning in Iowa.
2021-2022 STEM BEST Program mentors play a critical role in supporting the expansion of work-based learning in Iowa.
From resources and webinars to workshops and handbooks, the STEM Council provides a strong support system to assist STEM BEST Programs throughout the year. These supports are made possible through the valiant efforts of the team, including STEM Council Program Coordinator Tanya Hunt and the STEM BEST Program mentors.
 
Eight Iowans work behind the scenes and are deeply embedded in mentoring STEM BEST Program applicants, designers and administrators across Iowa. The mentors (listed below) have distinguished themselves as adept and successful as forging the school-business partnerships that make STEM BEST thrive. They advise and coach from home base in their own communities while executing their own roles as educators, administrators and business partners:
 
  • Shawn Cornally, Iowa BIG Mathematics and Science Teacher
  • Joel Fox, Ankeny Community School District Orbis Project Mentor
  • Jeff Frost, Waterloo Schools Executive Director of Professional Technical Education
  • Ann Gritzner, Central High School Science Teacher
  • Mike Kuennen, New Hampton High School Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher
  • Nathan Van Zante, Lewis Central Middle School Science Teacher
  • Teri Vos, Director of Work-Based Learning - a community collaboration based at Central College
  • Nate Wendt, Spencer High School Business Teacher
 
The STEM BEST Program mentors have been charged with facilitating conversations with school districts and communities interested in the STEM BEST Program. They are empowered to coach interested schools and business partners on design, partnerships, proposal submission, program launch and more.
 
“This is such a great group of people who are intensely interested in promoting the STEM BEST Program and the opportunities it creates across Iowa,” said Hunt, “Connecting with a STEM BEST Program mentor allows insight from a peer who has been through the application process and can attest to the value of this experience for students.”
 
For more information about the STEM BEST Program, visit iowastem.org/stembest.
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