Teachers Ashley Roberts (left) and Brittany Hamm present at the Indiana STEM Education Conference.
Photo provided by Whitko Community Schools.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Two teachers from Whitko Community Schools joined the Indiana STEM Education Conference hosted at Purdue University’s School of Education, Wednesday, Jan.15.

Teachers Brittany Hamm and Ashley Roberts were chosen specifically to present, said a news release from Whitko Community Schools. 

For those new to STEM, the acronym stands for Science Technology Engineering and Math. Often an “A” is also incorporated to represent Art, making the acronym STEAM.

According to the Indiana Department of Education’s webpage, STEM guides our vision of ensuring all K-12 Indiana students graduate with critical thinking skills. Indiana students must have access to a world-class STEM education necessary to compete in an innovation-driven economy. STEM will equip students with 21st-century skills, preparing future generations of Hoosiers to thrive in STEM-related businesses and industries.

Hamm has been integral in Whitko’s campaign to assist in completing the Common Sense School certification school-wide, said the news release. The certification warns students about the possible dangers of the internet and how to use common sense to avoid sites that may not be age or school appropriate.

Roberts is the Project Lead the Way instructor for both Pierceton Elementary School and South Whitley Elementary. Additionally, Roberts coaches the elementary LEGO Robotics teams which host an annual gathering each spring. 

According to Ward Lamon, Whitko’s Curriculum and Special Services Director, “Brittany and Ashley are doing an outstanding job,” said Ward Lamon, Whitko Curriculum and Special Services Director. “They have impressed administrators and teachers alike.”