STEM teacher training program launches in Latvian schools

New teachers participating in the ‘Enefit Iespējamā misija: Izglābt STEM’ leadership program have begun their roles in various Latvian schools. The initiative aims to strengthen STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education by training young professionals to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

Participants will work across 18 schools in ten municipalities, including Ogres, Aizkraukles, Mārupes, Jelgavas, Līvānu, Smiltenes, Ventspils, and Riga. Before starting, these educators underwent four weeks of intensive training in teaching fundamentals and leadership skills. They will continue to receive mentor support and professional development for the next two years.

In Jelgava, the program has introduced Dace Šteinerte at Jelgava State Gymnasium to teach physics, geography, and mathematics, and Evelīna Anna Grikova at Spīdola State Gymnasium to teach design and technology. The program reports that approximately 80% of its graduates continue to work within the education sector, often moving into leadership or policy-making roles.