(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON  --- To tackle the issue of underrepresentation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaching and leadership, the Smithsonian Science Education Center will host a STEM teacher leadership summit Feb. 23–25 at Howard University funded by Shell Oil Company in collaboration with the Howard University School of Education and powered by Teach to Lead.

At the summit, teams of educators nationwide will create plans for attracting, retaining and developing a diverse STEM teaching workforce in their districts, positioning themselves as catalysts for systemic change. "The Howard University School of Education is proud to be engaged in the work of diversifying the STEM teacher pipeline in urban school districts across the nation," said Dawn Williams, Ph.D., dean of the Howard University School of Education.

By increasing representation among STEM teachers, schools will in turn increase the diversity of STEM students and subsequent career opportunities available to them. This work is made possible by a steering committee composed of education thought leaders, including representatives from the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Howard University and Shell Oil Company.

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