Professional Development Dimensions STEAM Conference

Posted by on April 15, 2013

Professional Developmental Dimensions (PDD) would
like to invite you to submit a workshop proposal for its first annual conference on science,
technology, engineering, art and math, scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Chestnut Hill
College in Chestnut Hill, PA. We are focusing on transformational approaches that address the
documented barriers that classroom and OST programs experience in trying to implement quality
S.T.E.A.M. related curriculum and resources.
“Young people in Pennsylvania will increasingly face stiff competition for jobs from people
across the world; and to succeed in the global economy, students will need a much stronger
foundation in STEM subject areas.” (Change the Equation, 2012). Addressing this challenge
effectively will require cross sector partnerships that include educators and program staff from K-
12 classrooms and the out of school time (OST) field. Professional Development Dimensions
seeks to develop a network of diverse stakeholders from post-secondary institutions, schools,
OST programs, community- based organizations, and business and industry to advance the
knowledge and understanding of the important connection between academic skill building,
creativity and innovative thinking found through S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering,
art, and mathematics) learning opportunities.
Workshops will be 1.5 hours in length. PD Dimensions is offering an honorarium of $100 per
workshop, as well as complimentary conference registration for up to two presenters per
workshop. The presenter(s) will receive a continental breakfast and buffet lunch on the day of the
conference. Our conference coordinator will provide presenters with estimated participant
numbers, but presenters will be responsible for all handouts and materials. Vendor tables are $25
each, but accepted presenters with a vendor display will receive complimentary space.
To support participants in gaining a hands-on, visual understanding of resources that are offered
in the STEAM field, the conference will also provide vendor resource tables. A vendor scavenger
hunt will engage participants and challenge them to seek out possible materials and resources to
support new knowledge gained in professional development sessions.
All workshops should be relevant to the preschool/ pre-K, academic classroom, and school-age
child care populations.
Don’t miss this great opportunity for statewide exposure to the early childhood, classroom, and
school-age care populations! Please complete attached Presenter Registration documents.

Proposals should be mailed, faxed, or emailed (preferred) to us by April
12, 2013 at vjackson@melc.org / dsmith@melc.org or 201 Sabine Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact our Conference Coordinators, Donna Smith and
Veirdre Ridgley-Jackson at (610) 617-4550 opt. 4. You will be notified no later than April 30,
2013 if your proposal has been accepted.