ACT-STEM is a five-year, NSF-funded initiative headed by Dr. Sarah Bleiler-Baxter (PI), Dr. Gregory Rushton (co-PI), and Dr. Grant Gardner (co-PI) that seeks to advance the teaching culture within university STEM departments through diffusion of strength-based reflexivity. Our goal is to cultivate a Culture of Growth within university STEM departments—one in which faculty feel supported, recognize and build upon their strengths, collaborate with colleagues, and continually grow as educators in support of student success.

Through a strengths-based, faculty-driven professional development approach, ACT-STEM empowers STEM educators to notice what is working well, reflect on their teaching practices and professional identities, and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their departments. Grounded in self-determination theory, positive psychology, and diffusion of innovations, our project explores how meaningful reflection, supportive relationships, and faculty leadership can foster sustainable, department-wide cultural change.

ACT-STEM: Notice the good. Imagine the possible. Help it grow.

Explore our website to learn about our work, meet our team, and follow our journey toward building a Culture of Growth in STEM higher education.