From May 20–22, 2025, members of the MonarchTeach program attended the UTeach STEM Educators Conference in Reno, Nevada. Centered around the theme “Belonging as a Catalyst for STEM Learning,” the conference brought together educators, students, and leaders from across the national UTeach network to explore inclusive practices in STEM education. Hosted by the University of Texas at Austin and co-hosted by NevadaTeach at the University of Nevada, Reno, the event featured keynote sessions, professional development workshops, and a campus visit to observe NevadaTeach in action.
98’s MonarchTeach team was represented by Co-Directors Christina Steel and Demetrice Smith-Mutegi, Master Teachers Mary Gregory and Tamu Crisden, and undergraduate student Natalyia March. The group engaged in collaborative sessions with peers from across the country, gaining new insights and strategies to strengthen STEM teacher preparation and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom.