This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an externship through the Idaho STEM Action Center with the Idaho Out-of-School Network (ION) and TMC (Think, Make, Create) STEM Labs—and it was nothing short of inspiring.

As a Special Education teacher at Declo Junior High in the Cassia County School District, I work with students in grades 6 through 8, many of whom have unique learning needs and challenges. I’m also EL certified, so accessibility, inclusivity, and language development are always at the forefront of my teaching practice. This externship gave me the chance to expand that mission beyond my own classroom and into the broader world of out-of-school STEM learning.

From the very beginning, I was welcomed into a team that shares a deep commitment to engaging all learners in hands-on, exploratory STEM education. One of the highlights of my experience was participating in a Community STEM Night, where I worked with families and students as they explored fun and engaging activities from the TMC Lab. Watching their excitement and curiosity reminded me of why inclusive, tactile, and visual learning matters—because when students see themselves as capable creators and problem-solvers, anything is possible.
I also had the opportunity to work directly with students and teachers through the Sparks Summer School Program, supporting learning in real time. Collaborating with educators during this program helped me see how TMC Lab activities can be adapted and enriched to meet a variety of student needs—especially for those with IEPs or English language learning goals.

A major focus of my externship was revising and updating TMC Lab activity guides to incorporate scaffolding, accommodations, and supports that make STEM learning more accessible to all students, from kindergarten through 8th grade. My goal was to ensure that whether a student has a disability, is learning English, or simply needs additional support, there would be tools in place to help them succeed and stay engaged. I focused on clear language, flexible options, and universal design strategies that can support learners across a wide spectrum.

In addition to creating accommodations, I also worked to align each Lab activity with Idaho State Science Standards, and provided recommendations for WIDA ELD standards and IEP-aligned supports. This makes it easier for facilitators—whether they’re teachers, paraprofessionals, or afterschool leaders—to deliver each activity with confidence, knowing it connects to core educational goals.

I also had the chance to add some of my favorite STEM lessons from my own classroom, expanding the Lab’s resources with fresh, inclusive ideas that I know work well with middle school learners. It felt great to contribute activities that have brought success and joy to my students—and to now share them with others across the state.

One of my biggest takeaways from this experience is a renewed drive to bring more hands-on learning and project-based instruction into my classroom. My students thrive when they are actively building, experimenting, and problem-solving—and this externship reinforced just how powerful those moments of discovery can be. I’m committed to using what I’ve learned this summer to create more purposeful STEM projects that connect academic content to real-world applications and engage all learners in meaningful ways.

This externship has truly empowered me as both an educator and an advocate. I now feel even more equipped to bring inclusive, high-quality STEM education to my students and to help others do the same. It reaffirmed my belief that STEM is not just for some students—it’s for every student.

I’m incredibly grateful to the Idaho STEM Action Center, ION, and the entire TMC Lab team for trusting and selecting me with this opportunity and supporting me throughout the experience. If you’re a fellow educator, especially one working with diverse learners, I strongly encourage you to apply for an externship like this. It will expand your perspective, renew your passion, and most importantly—help you reach more students in more meaningful ways.

Grade Level and Subject Taught: 6th-8th Grade Special Education