In June 2025, the Science and Engineering Program for Teachers (SEPT) reached a new milestone – its first-ever regional pilot program, hosted at Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah. This exciting expansion brought the program’s signature mix of cutting-edge science, inspiring speakers, and collaborative learning beyond MIT’s campus for the first time, creating fresh opportunities for STEM educators in the western United States.
Twenty-seven teachers from Utah, Arizona, Washington, California, and Oregon were selected to join the inaugural SEPT West cohort. Each brought unique classroom experiences and perspectives, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas throughout the week.
The program kicked off on Tuesday, June 24, with a welcome dinner and remarks from SEPT founders Ron Latanison and Joe Scheller.
Wednesday began with a keynote from Eric Klopfer, Director of the Scheller Teacher Education Program (STEP) Lab at MIT, who traced the program’s history and outlined our goals for the week. Dr. Marilee Coles-Ritchie, Professor of Education at Westminster University, followed with an interactive session that challenged and inspired participants.
From Wednesday through Friday, teachers engaged in hands-on breakout sessions in their chosen track:
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Broadening Participation in the Classroom
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Games and Simulations in the Classroom
Thursday morning’s highlight was an energizing talk by Dr. Bonnie Baxter, Professor of Biology at Westminster University and Director of the Great Salt Lake Institute. Her presentation set the stage for that afternoon’s field trip to the Great Salt Lake—a memorable mix of science, nature, and camaraderie.
On Friday, Dr. David Kaiser, Germeshausen Professor of the History of Science and Professor of Physics at MIT, delivered a fascinating talk before participants headed to the Natural History Museum of Utah for their final off-campus learning experience. The program wrapped up that afternoon with group presentations, where each track shared the projects and ideas developed during the week.
Teachers Feedback about the Experience:
Post-event survey results painted a clear picture: the SEPT West pilot was a resounding success. Participants praised the quality of the speakers, the relevance of the content, and the sense of community fostered throughout the week.
“The speakers were amazing, and I loved the way they wanted us to interact with them. I appreciated that they weren’t giving an ‘infomercial’ or trying to sell us something—they just shared the science they love.”
“The conversations were meaningful and interesting. I felt validated by this workshop in how I’ve been feeling for a while.”
“To be honest, I find it hard to believe you offer such a top-notch program for educators. It’s like a hidden gold mine, and I feel exceptionally privileged to learn from it. I’ve talked with world-renowned data scientists, top materials scientists, and leaders in their fields, and I reference what I learned at SEPT on a weekly basis. Rachel Moody’s discussion on imposter syndrome helped me move from feeling like an imposter in STEM to being sought after. You have my eternal gratitude. I hope you share the impact this program has had—on me, my students, and the surrounding schools—with the Schellers for supporting it.”
These reflections underscore SEPT West’s unique role, not just as professional development, but as a powerful, affirming, and energizing space for STEM educators. With its successful launch, SEPT West promises to be a cornerstone for teacher growth and collaboration in the years ahead.
If you’re interested in applying for next years program, please email us @sept.mit.edu.
