Congressman Sestak Delivers Keynote Address at 3rd Annual Conference on STEM Education

Press Release

On Saturday, November 15, Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) delivered the keynote address at the Third Annual Research Conference on STEM education at West Chester University, where he discussed the current state of science, technology, engineering, and math education in the United States. The Congressman, a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, appointed to the early childhood, elementary, and secondary education subcommittee, and continuing advocate for STEM education, kicked off the conference with his remarks.

"One of the most important things we can do is institute programs that produce qualified teachers in these subject areas," said Congressman Sestak. "I supported the Ten Thousand Teachers, Ten Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act to increase the number of elementary and secondary math and science teachers by up to ten thousand per year; however more still must be done. In 1999, 68% of US 8th grade students received instruction from a mathematics teacher who did not hold a degree or certification in mathematics, and in 2000, 93% of students in grades 5-9 were taught physical science by a teacher lacking a major or certification in the physical sciences. "

Other speakers included Joe Merlino, president of the 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, Christopher Fiorentino, Dean of West Chester University's College of Business and Public Affairs, in addition to speakers from Arcadia University, Villanova University, Bryn Mawr College, Widener University, Shenandoah University, Drexel University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

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