Elizabeth Heidemann

Cushing, ME | K-6, Science, 2012

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I believe that helping to nurture the next generation to be compassionate, evidence based decision makers is essential to society. Excellence in STEM teaching is critical to make this happen.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

I hope to continue advancing STEM education through my Go2Science content. It is a proven and replicable resource to help teachers improve practice and student grow in critical thinking while fueling curiosity and wonder.

Biography

Beth Heidemann has taught kindergarten at the Cushing Community School for 20 years, acting as a leader within the school and as a liaison to the community. She serves on her school's Student Intervention Team and acts as Team Leader. Beth is focused on developing project-based learning experiences that weave students’ needs and interests into activities that connect them to the community and world around them. Her most recent class, for example, worked with the town recycling committee to collect data, create public service announcements, and publish a book.   Beth's teaching reaches beyond her classroom, involving community volunteers and external experts. Through various grants, Beth has worked to provide her students with current technology, including an interactive whiteboard and one-to-one iPads. She passionately integrates technology into her teaching, yet gives her students real-world experiences and ample contact with nature. She cochaired the town trail committee that designed and built a half-mile nature trail for school and public use. In 1990, Beth won a National Semiconductor Innovative Educator Award, which provided funds for professional development for all the staff at her school.  Beth has a B.A. in human ecology from College of the Atlantic and a K through eighth grade Maine teaching certificate. She is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.