Welcome Brew

As I sip my coffee this morning, I’m reflecting on the evolution of this space—and you may have noticed it already. Our newsletter now carries a new name: STEMrific Dispatch. Why the change? Because the work we’re doing here is bigger than a persona—it’s a movement.

This shift aligns with our mission to Educate. Collaborate. Innovate. and solidifies this platform as your monthly pour of strategy, inspiration, and community-driven resources. This month, we’re exploring how to build a thriving STEM culture—one that invites students to belong, wonder, and boldly solve problems that matter.

STEM Culture in Focus: Voices That Inspire

Before we dive into classroom practices, let’s zoom out and hear from one of the most important voices shaping national dialogue around STEM equity and culture.

In her powerful article, “The STEM Culture Expert”, Dr. Apriel K. Hodari challenges us to think critically about how STEM environments are created—and who gets to thrive in them. As a physicist, researcher, and advocate for organizational change, Dr. Hodari offers a deeply reflective take on culture building that goes far beyond curriculum or tools.

“If the STEM community wants its science to be better, we have to create environments where everyone who has talent, interest, and a willingness to work hard can contribute to it.”

Read the article →

Use this as a lens for your own classroom: Who feels welcome in your STEM space? Who leads the learning? And whose voice is still waiting to be heard?

Resource Spotlight: Tools to Build a STEM Culture

Expert Insight

Five Ways to Cultivate a STEM Culture in Schools

What does it take to build a schoolwide STEM culture that lasts? In this research-backed piece, the National Math and Science Initiative outlines five powerful strategies used in real schools:

1. Establish a STEM Vision—Co-create expectations and goals that are student-centered and equity-driven

2. Lead from All Levels—Empower both administrators and teacher teams to model innovation

3. Normalize Mistakes—Make risk-taking visible and part of the learning process

4. Prioritize Collaboration—Build regular time into schedules for co-planning and idea-sharing

5. Engage the School Community—STEM culture should echo through hallways, events, and home connections

“Culture doesn't happen by accident—it happens by design.” – NMSI

Try This: Use these five tips as a self-audit with your team or PLC. What are you already doing? What’s a small shift you could make this quarter?

READ THE FULL ARTICLE →

STEM Shots:

Quick Culture Builders

• STEM Identity Journals: “Where do I see STEM in my daily life?”

• STEM Spotlight Fridays: Feature diverse innovators weekly

• Wall of Fail Forward: Celebrate iteration and growth

• Maker Monday: Use recycled materials to invent something new

• STEM Selfies: Photos with student projects + hashtags

Final Sip

Educate-Collaborate-Innovate

You don’t need a 3D printer to build culture—you need joy, trust, and intention. Let’s educate with empathy, collaborate with creativity, and innovate with purpose.

> One student, one classroom, one cup of STEM at a time.

Cheers, Dr. Warren Edwards Creator of STEMrific Dispatch | www.stemrific.com

Until next time,

Doc STEM

Educate, Innovate, Collaborate