A renewed vision for K-12 STEM education: Disrupting Eurocentric ideologies to mobilize an Afrocentric agenda

This talk serves as a fervent call to action, urging a collective disruption of an agenda that perpetuates the marginalization of Black and Brown children within STEM learning spaces. Pervasive negative stereotypes and unwelcoming cultures in the STEM disciplines demand intentional intervention and a unified commitment to dismantling exclusionary systems. Too often, the scientific and mathematical talents of Black children remain unrecognized, leading to a questioning of their sense of belonging in STEM environments. Natalie King aims to redirect the focus towards naming systemic and structural barriers that contribute to this disparity and offer a paradigm shift in how we approach STEM education. 

Practical resources and strategies will be shared, providing tangible tools for educators, researchers and other stakeholders to implement within STEM teaching and llearning spaces. 

Zoom registration required. Register here. 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Natalie King, Associate Professor, Science Education, Georgia State University

Natalie S. King, Ph.D. is an associate professor of science education at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. Her scholarly work focuses on advancing Black girls in STEM education, community-based STEM programs, and the role of curriculum in fostering equity in science teaching and learning. King is a recipient of the 2023 National Science Foundation Alan T. Waterman Award – the nation’s highest honor for early career scientists and engineers. She is the first educator to receive this recognition. King is also an NSF Early CAREER Award (#1943285) recipient whose research challenges the capitalist agenda for encouraging girls’ involvement in STEM. She elevates the identities and brilliance of Black girls in her scholarship, programs, and grant projects. In addition, Natalie King serves as the Principal Investigator of an NSF Noyce project (# 1852889) seeking to diversify the STEM teaching workforce. King is the founder and executive director of I AM STEM, LLC and partners with community-based organizations to provide Black and Brown children with access to comprehensive academic summer enrichment programs that embrace their cultural experiences while also preparing them to become productive and critically-conscious citizens. Her work is published in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Science Education, Journal of Multicultural Affairs, Journal of Science Teacher Education, The Science Teacher, and Teaching and Teacher Education.