400+ Teachers Give Up Summer for STEM Training in Cobb

More than 400 teachers chose professional growth over poolside relaxation this summer, diving into a two-day conference packed with laser engravers, 3D printers, and even live reptiles.

The 12th annual STEMapalooza conference at Kell High School in Cobb County brought together science, technology, engineering, and math teachers from across Georgia. They came ready to learn innovative strategies they could take straight back to their classrooms.

"STEMapalooza is about preparing educators for innovation," said Dr. Adam Casey, the Supervisor of STEM, STEAM, and Innovation for Cobb Schools. "When we invest in our teachers, we're ultimately preparing students for the future."

The conference offered 165 breakout sessions led by 81 presenters, covering everything from LEGO-based learning activities to emerging technologies. Teachers from all subjects attended, not just science instructors, because STEM concepts can strengthen learning across every discipline.

One of the most popular attractions was the STEM Playground, which transformed the school's media center into an innovation hub. Teachers experimented with maker tools and technologies they might not have access to at their own schools, testing equipment before introducing it to students.

The conference also featured Scaly Adventures, bringing live reptiles for hands-on encounters that demonstrated how tactile experiences make science concepts stick with students. Local businesses and community partners set up 27 exhibits, connecting educators with resources and expertise available in their own backyard.

The Ripple Effect

This year's theme, "In the Air, On the Land, Under the Water," directly supports Cobb's academic priorities in biology and life science standards. By aligning professional development with what students actually need to learn, the district ensures every training hour translates into classroom impact.

The conference plays a crucial role in supporting Cobb's growing network of STEM and STEAM-certified schools. Several schools are currently pursuing recertification, and events like STEMapalooza provide the ongoing professional development that maintains those high standards.

These 400 educators will reach thousands of students when school starts this fall. Each new technique learned, each technology mastered, and each creative teaching strategy discovered multiplies across entire classrooms.

After 12 years, STEMapalooza has become a cornerstone of how Cobb County prepares teachers to inspire the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.