Towson University welcomed 50 pre- and in-service educators from across Maryland for the MADE4STEM (Making a Difference in Education for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Conference, a two-day professional learning institute held June 6–7, in the university’s Science Complex and Planetarium on campus and at the TU Center for STEM Excellence in Baltimore City.

Hosted by faculty from the Department of Mathematics and the Center for STEM Excellence, the conference focused on place-based STEM pedagogy, makerspace technology and evidence-based instructional strategies designed to strengthen STEM teaching and learning. Participants represented public schools from Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Howard County and Prince George’s County.

A major highlight of the conference was the strong involvement of Towson University graduate students, secondary mathematics pre-service teachers and Making STEM Matter scholars from the Department of Mathematics, who presented workshops, demonstrations and panel discussions. Students showcased innovative classroom applications of 3D printing, digital fabrication tools, robotics, data analysis and interdisciplinary STEM lessons, providing attendees with practical strategies they can implement in their own schools.

The event also served as a platform for Towson University’s Master of Science in Mathematics Education students and Towson UTeach teacher candidates to share their work with the broader STEM education community. Guest speakers from Loyola University Maryland, Morgan State University, the University of Rochester and Prince George’s County Public Schools joined TU faculty and students in leading sessions and discussions.

MADE4STEM was supported through a subaward from the University of Rochester’s National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program grant and was promoted through the Northeast Noyce Network.

Building on the momentum of MADE4STEM and related initiatives, project leaders are now seeking contributions for a 2027 special issue of The Mathematics Enthusiast focused on technology-enhanced, place-based STEM education. Educators, researchers and teacher leaders interested in sharing research, classroom innovations or partnership experiences are invited to submit a manuscript title and tentative abstract to Diana Cheng (dcheng@towson.edu) by Oct. 30, 2026.