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Vernier Science Education Welcomes Seven New STEM Teachers

Vernier Science Education has recently announced an exciting expansion of the Vernier Trendsetters Community, bringing aboard seven new STEM educators from various high schools across the nation. This initiative plays a pivotal role in enhancing the professional learning landscape for STEM teachers, allowing them to share knowledge, collaborate, and engage with the latest in data-collection technology.

As of June 9, 2026, the Vernier Trendsetters Community now boasts nearly 40 members, all committed to evolving STEM education within their respective classrooms. Jill Hedrick, the CEO of Vernier Science Education, expressed enthusiasm over the fresh perspectives and energy that these new teachers will contribute to the community. "The seven new Vernier Trendsetters bring unique insights and a unified passion for advancing STEM education. Our mission continues to support their development through meaningful professional growth opportunities," Hedrick stated.

A Diverse Group of Educators

The new members of the community hail from diverse geographical locations and bring unique specializations in STEM education. They include:

• - Brock Baxter - a chemistry, physics, and engineering teacher at Osage City High School in Osage City, Kansas.
• - Hannah Korslund - a physics teacher at Burlingame High School in Burlingame, California.
• - Jay Jackson - a physics teacher at Freeman High School in Katy, Texas.
• - Mike Amante - an engineering and computer science teacher at New Hartford Central Schools in New Hartford, New York.
• - Ross Gunderson - a physics teacher at Eastern York High School in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.
• - Valerie Berger - a dual-credit chemistry and physics teacher at Northrop High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
• - Vanessa Ueltzen - an integrated and Earth science/STEM teacher at Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park, Illinois.

With these educators on board, the community aims to foster leadership skills and deepen their understanding of contemporary STEM teaching practices. Members are encouraged to engage in collaborative initiatives, share teaching strategies, and provide feedback on educational programming and new product developments.

Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration

Joining the Trendsetters Community provides a wealth of resources and opportunities for development. Participating educators will not only develop their teaching strategies but will also have access to exclusive events and workshops designed to better integrate Vernier’s the data-collection technology into their classrooms. There’s also potential recognition for innovative uses of technology, along with financial assistance for attending notable educational conferences.

The enthusiasm from the new members is palpable. Mike Amante shared, "Being part of the Trendsetters Community is an exhilarating opportunity to collaborate with fellow STEM educators. I look forward to utilizing real-world data collection to make learning more applicable and inspiring for my students."

Vanessa Ueltzen expressed her commitment to making contributions to the group: "I hope to connect with other science teachers and collaborate on approaches to elevate science education in our country."

Brock Baxter conveyed similar hopes, emphasizing the potential for personal and professional development: "This experience promises to enrich my teaching skills and make my lessons more engaging for my students."

Join the Vernier Trendsetters Community

Vernier Science Education welcomes applications year-round for educators interested in joining the Trendsetters Community. Interested teachers can find more information and submit their applications on the official Vernier website at www.vernier.com/trendsetters.

About Vernier Science Education

For over 45 years, Vernier Science Education has been committed to providing the best solutions for STEM education. Their comprehensive array includes hardware, software, content, assessment tools, professional development, and technical support. With a dedication to being a trustworthy partner for science educators, Vernier strives to cultivate a STEM-literate society where students are prepared to tackle real-world problems. For further details, visit www.vernier.com.