Sessions of 2026 Midwinter Leadership Conference: Sylvia Garcia-Lohr
Garcia-Lohr, Sylvia
Science Educator
Sylvia Garcia-Lohr teaches Space and Earth Science and Life Science at Flagstaff High School. She has master's degrees in science teaching and special education; she brings 34 years of experience working with learners from preschool through high school. She integrates Universal Design for Learning and culturally responsive practices to create inclusive, engaging STEM experiences. Her work focuses on connecting students with real-world science opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and inspire them to pursue STEM pathways after high school graduation.
Sessions:
Create Impact, Teach STEM
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Prescott Resort & Conference Center
Our session will showcase a practical, scalable approach to preparing and energizing students for future careers. This fun and hands-on learning includes peer mentorship and community engagement. The program started by the Arizona Educational Foundation allows us to immerse our teens in dynamic science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) labs that encourage curiosity, deeper thinking and greater understanding of scientific principles. Once high school students build foundational skills, they transition into mentor and leadership roles - teaching and aiding younger learners through school and community outreach. This mentorship deepens the understanding for all ages, and it fosters confidence. Through participation, students have connected to local business and industry, and they have applied their problem-solving and innovation skills to authentic challenges. These experiences have exposed students to real-world career pathways, promoted workforce readiness and strengthened career preparation. Attendees will gain practical tools to implement this model in their own rural schools through CTE programs, including examples of engaging STEM labs, mentorship structures and strategies for building meaningful experiences for all learners. The session will highlight success stories and student outcomes that demonstrate the transformative power of student-led STEM teaching and learning.
