As an instrumentality charter school, the governance board approves the curriculum for the school. This means that Wauwatosa STEM has autonomy from the approved curriculum of the Wauwatosa School District. In exchange for autonomy, the school must demonstrate the positive impact of our independent curriculum on student learning. As indicated by our name, our curriculum is focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We utilize both Singapore Math and Engineering is Elementary while focusing on 21st Century Learning Skills throughout the day. Wauwatosa STEM uses a co-teaching approach in our multi-age classrooms. Staffing each classroom with two teachers allows for flexibility in how the students are grouped and also enables the teachers to be more adaptive to the needs of their students.
The teachers at Wauwatosa STEM are truly amazing and focused on the needs of their students. Their ongoing quest for professional development and the additional time they spend preparing activities for and understanding the needs of their students, including conducting student assessments prior to the beginning of the school year, has proven to produce excellent results.—Michael Heun, principal
Elizabeth Scheer
I graduated from UW-Whitewater with a license in elementary education in 2011. I also have a special education license. “Take chances, make mistakes and get messy” is a quote that I enjoy using in my teaching to help students be engaged in their learning. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, my pets and friends, going to Milwaukee Brewers games or monster truck shows, and traveling.
Maddie Burt
I graduated from Carroll University with a dual license in elementary education and special education. I am passionate about inspiring all students to succeed and become lifelong learners. Teaching at WSTEM allows me to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics into the curriculum through hands-on learning experiences. I was drawn to WSTEM because the school allows students to work together, problem-solve, create, and ultimately take charge of their own learning. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family and friends, and reading.
Maggie Barian
I began my teaching career in 2009 in Wauwatosa. I have a degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota. I received my teaching license and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Cardinal Stritch University. My career began at Wauwatosa STEM in 2009 where our focus is on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Our school is composed of multiage classrooms where we encourage peer teaching, communication, and team work. We embrace learning through experiences and our focus is to inspire life long learners. While not at school I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and playing soccer.
Stevie-Marie Ehrenberg
I began my teaching career in Ripon after graduating from Marian University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary-Middle Education. I taught fourth and fifth grades at Wilson Elementary here in Tosa from 2017-2024 before making the transition to WSTEM. I am a district teacher mentor and serve as a part of Wauwatosa’s Innovation Leadership Team. I strive as an educator to create a warm, welcoming and organized classroom environment where students feel compelled to reach their best potential. I am excited to be a part of the WSTEM team where collaboration drives both teachers and students to achieve excellence. I am looking forward to using STEM’s unique universal instructional practices of multi-age instruction and an interdisciplinary approach to create authentic learning experiences for all students who enter my classroom.
Lauren Johnson
I started my teaching career in 2010 in Illinois after graduating from Illinois State University with a major in Middle Level Teacher Education. I am very excited to continue my career as a member of the WSTEM team in the 4/5 classroom. My approach to teaching is very student-centered providing opportunities for inquiry, hands-on learning, and problem solving. I enjoy finding ways to link the curriculum to real life situations and connect the learning to 21st century skills. Students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and work together as multi-age teams. This fosters a dynamic learning environment preparing students for future endeavors. Outside of the school day, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and reading.
Chris Sellers
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a major in elementary education, and a minor in early childhood education, I began my teaching career in the Milwaukee Public Schools. I made my move to the Wauwatosa School District in 2011 when I became a Wauwatosa STEM teacher in the 4/5 classroom. I truly enjoy being able to teach at WSTEM. It allows for an environment where the learning never stops, and the amount of information we have access to is endless. If you were to peek into my classroom you would find students working on a multitude of activities from setting a solid foundation in reading, mathematics, and writing, to inquiry based activities where research, problem solving, risk taking, and critical thinking are required. My goal is to create a student that leaves our building not wanting to be stagnant. I want my students to feel the need to constantly better themselves and be lifelong learners. When I am not in school, I enjoy playing outside with my son, watching movies with my wife, and coaching track and field. It would be silly if I also didn’t mention…Sundays from August until January are “Packer Day” in the Sellers home.
Specialists
- Art
- Library
- Physical Education
- Reading
- General Music
- Band
- Orchestra
- Spanish
- English as a Second Language
- School Psychologist and Social Worker assigned to the school on a regular basis
- Special Education teacher and Speech and Language therapists to work with children who have special needs
Unique Curriculum/Programs
- Engineering challenges (mixed grade, team-based engineering projects)
- Spooky Lab Day (Halloween)
- Service Learning Day
- Lego league
- Science Fair
- Fifth grade camping program at Camp Whitcomb-Mason
- Destination Imagination
- Visiting author/illustrator program
- High Interest Day