PROUD MEMBER OF
The Mid-Michigan STEM Advisory Committee is made up of regional leaders in higher education, business, ISD administrators, educators, community partners as well as government agencies. Members work with the Regional Director to collaborate to boost STEM education and innovation.
Advisory Committee Members
Paul Brieger
Shiawassee RESD
CTE Dean of Students/Instructional Coach
Jen Branch
Clinton County RESA
Career Education Director
Jessica Cotter
Holt Public Schools
Curriculum Director
Ethan Ebenstein
Ionia ISD
Superintendent
Sarah Felsing
Eaton RESA
Innovation and Programs Consultant
Laura Foreback
DeWitt Schools
STEM Academic Specialist for Grades 4-12
Susan Greer
AgroLiquid
Non-Profit & Strategic Partners Manager
Justin Horvath
Shiawassee EDP
President/CEO
Scott Koenigsknecht
Clinton County RESA
Superintendent
Keith Lambert
Lansing Economic Area Partnership
Chief Operating Officer
Jay LaNew
Capital Area MI Works
Apprenticeship/Business Services Officer
Nate Leale
Eaton RESA
Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services
Vlad Lebedintsev
Eaton RESA
Assistant Superintendent for CTE
Tom Louks
Shiawassee RESD
Instructional Technology & Data REMC 14W Director
Emily Palmatier
Clinton County RESA
Instructional Services Director
Ted Paton
Ionia ISD
Associate Superintendent for CTE
Jeff Parks
Waverly Community Schools
Student Activities & Grant Coordinator
Kelly Piercefield
Ionia ISD
General Education Director
Susan Porrett
Davenport University
Executive Campus Director
Katherine Prokopchuk
MSU Science Festival
Coordinator
Megan Schrauben
Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity
MiSTEM State Director
Christian Schueler
GST Michigan Works!
Business Solutions Professional
Susan Shilton
Junior Achievement
Senior District Director
Alexa Snawder
DeWitt High School
Student/Chief Science Officer Program
3P Learning Priority For Region 7
On September 9, 2025, the MiSTEM Mid-Michigan Advisory Committee determined that 3P Learning should be the main priority area for Region 7.
High-quality STEM learning focuses on “3P learning,” which encompasses problem-, project-, and place-based learning. These are student-centered approaches designed to engage learners through experiential learning. While problem- and project-based learning are often used together, they are distinct pedagogical approaches. Region 7’s 3P professional learning will incorporate all three pedagogies as described in the chart below.
The 3P Learning model will include Region 7’s additional priorities of Math Improvement, Career and College Readiness, and Equitable STEM Practices. A 3P Leadership Network will be created to provide ongoing support to teachers. The 3P Network is open to all PK-12 educators in all disciplines.
3P Learning will promote STEM and STEM careers in an inclusive environment that encourages student voice and choice, increases student and teacher engagement, enhances academic proficiency, helps reduce chronic absenteeism, poor classroom behavior, and teacher burnout. 3P Learning teaches students to think critically and function as team members would in a real-world work setting.
3P Definitions
PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING
PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
PLACE-BASED LEARNING
Students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended, real-world problem.
The goal is to enable students to develop solutions rather than focus on a predetermined answer. Problem-based learning encourages exploration and experimentation.
Students learn in the context of a sustained, real-world project, creating something tangible, such as a product, performance, or event.
Students engage in real-world projects that typically involve interdisciplinary activities (research, scientific exploration, writing, and multimedia production).
Students integrate their local community environment as a foundation for hands-on learning.
By integrating real-world contexts, PBL increases student engagement and academic achievement, fosters stronger community ties, and develops critical thinking, social-emotional skills, and a commitment to civic responsibility.
Questions on 3P Learning contact MiSTEM Director Lisa Seigel @ lseigel@ccresa.org