In Conversation with Avis Beek: Inspiring Exploratory and Inclusive Education at Laurier

Avis Beek from Laurier's Faculty of Education and the recipient of the 2024 Early Career Excellence Award shares her hands-on, kinesthetic approach to STEM education. Through creative activities that include slime-making, terrarium building, and even live animals(!), Avis sparks curiosity and fosters collaborative and inclusive learning environments. Informed by her international teaching experiences, she integrates diverse Black, Indigenous and racialized voices, role models and cultural perspectives into her classes, empowering students to see themselves reflected in both STEM fields and the educational sector. Her STEMovation program fosters excitement and in-community support for STEM education by connecting local underserved communities with opportunities to engage in science learning alongside their families. In showing students how to be culturally responsive in their teaching and embrace experiential learning, she is helping to shape the next generation of STEM educators to create welcoming and vibrant educational experiences for their students. Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier. Discover more from Teaching Excellence and Innovation.