Naomi Meredith [00:00:00]:

We always hear about why STEM is important. Whether you are a teacher, an educator, or a parent, you are here listening to this podcast because you keep hearing about why STEM is important and why we need to teach it. But, really, why? Why is it important? Today, I am speaking with a guest who actually works in the STEM field as a senior mechanical engineer. Our guest also educates children about the possibilities in STEM, and she sees it currently in her real job and when she is doing her various projects and outreach as to why STEM is important. It is our future that is where we are going, and she sees it each and every day. Today, I am speaking with Tiffani Teachey, who wears many different hats in the various projects and outreach that she does in the STEM education field. Outside of her role as a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, which influences all the many amazing things that she does, Tiffani does so many things to help us in the STEM education space. She is a STEM advocate, a TEDx speaker, a radio show host, an international children’s book author, the STEM Crew Magazine founder, and a publishing company founder.

Naomi Meredith [00:01:31]:

Make sure you check out the show notes for this episode and read her full bio to see all of the amazing things that she is doing. I appreciate her work ethic and all the possibilities and ways that she is positively influencing STEM education. So definitely go see what she is working on because it’s absolutely amazing and also helpful to give you the resources that you need to be successful in this elementary STEM space. Also, you’re gonna be hearing more from Tiffani over on my kid podcast in a little bit, the STEM Career Quest podcast, where she is going to be talking to kids more about her role as a Sr. Mechanical Engineer. So I can’t wait for you to hear the teacher and educator’s side of her experiences and why STEM education is important. And then, in a few weeks, go and check out the STEM Career Quest podcast when she’s on there. You can go check it out now. Totally fine.

Naomi Meredith [00:02:30]:

But, go check out her episode when that comes out because what she has to say is really powerful and influential for our kids. I really enjoyed my conversation with Tiffani, and I know you are too. So, let’s jump into this episode. Well, thank you, Tiffani, so much for being here today.

Naomi Meredith [00:03:22]:

We connected over on Instagram, and I think you had a giveaway going on. And someone told me about you. And then you and I started chatting, and I was on your radio show. And I’m like, you need to be on my podcast. So we’ve connected past in a lot of ways, and then I’m sure many more, but thank you so much for being here.

Tiffani Teachey [00:03:39]:

Thank you so much for having me. Yes. I’m so glad we’ve connected.

Naomi Meredith [00:03:42]:

Yeah. Me too. And if you guys watch the video version, she has the cutest background, with books behind her. Are those your books or a combination of others?

Tiffani Teachey [00:03:51]:

These are my books. These are mine. But I do I do have my clients’ books, but these are mine up here.

Naomi Meredith [00:03:56]:

I love that. You’re gonna have to tell us about your books because I love a good STEM book, and they’re for kids. Yes. So we’ll chat more about it, but it’s such a perfect background. We might as well show off your work.

Tiffani Teachey [00:04:08]:

Yeah. There you go.

Naomi Meredith [00:04:10]:

So with your background as an engineer, you also do so much when it comes to helping kids in STEM. So how did you get into this space of combining your engineering background and inspiring kids? How did that all happen?

Tiffani Teachey [00:04:28]:

Right. Okay. So getting into the engineering background, initially, I wanted to be a lawyer, and so I thought I could debate and do all that. But my parents, my mom was an educator, and my dad was an entrepreneur. They had my brother and me, he’s also an engineer. He’s a civil engineer. I’m a mechanical engineer. But, he had us go into STEM.

Tiffani Teachey [00:04:44]:

They had us go into a math and science Saturday academy. So every Saturday, we go sit there. So from there, I learned about how engineering was about problem-solving, and critical thinking. And then also in those math classes, I was asking questions and everything too. And so and then my dad had a client who was a civil engineer. He said you might need to get your kids into engineering. So that’s called social capital. And then from being a part of the programs of the Saturday programs, that was what got us into, wanting to do engineering.

Tiffani Teachey [00:05:13]:

So fast forward to knowing that it’s a male-dominated field, knowing that, you know, representation matters in this field, I would go and talk to the kids and, you know, they always want us engineers to become teachers love when we come in come in and talk

Naomi Meredith [00:05:26]:

to the kids.

Tiffani Teachey [00:05:26]:

And so when we come and talk to them, I would go and say, how many men are engineering? Not many hands go up. And so after doing hands on activities, after, you know, doing the talk about how engineering is fun, I would say how many men in engineering. So all hands should go up. And it was that moment, that pivotal moment, where I said, okay, I need to put this in writing. These kids need to learn about STEM careers. And so, hence, why I was able to say, let’s connect through writing a book and getting these kids exposed to STEM.

Naomi Meredith [00:05:53]:

I love that so much. And you are absolutely right because I have seen the same exact thing, and that’s why we’re collaborating because, like, I say the same thing. And when I was a teacher, I hosted a STEM career day, because kids need to see themselves in STEM jobs. You’ve read the studies, I’m sure. And you being in the field, you see, like, the actual facts, which is really sad how, just that underrepresentation. So we need to expose kids when they’re young. Yeah. We can’t wait until middle school and high school, and you’ve seen it firsthand.

Naomi Meredith [00:06:28]:

And now you’re creating resources for the kids.

Tiffani Teachey [00:06:30]:

Yeah.

Naomi Meredith [00:06:31]:

What are some of the books that you’ve created? Because we have a bunch, but what are some of the ones that you’ve done?

Tiffani Teachey [00:06:38]:

Well, that first one was an alphabet book. So I kept it simple, you know, trying to be all creative. I said no, and I’m not even gonna try to rhyme and do all that. I stayed in my lane. I learned to stay in the lane. And so the first book was, what can I be STEM careers who make disease? That rhymes, but that was about it. And so like it has different careers in STEM, starting with an astronaut. And I didn’t just do engineering.

Tiffani Teachey [00:06:57]:

I said I wanted all different careers. So, that was my first book back in 2019. And so I’ve been rolling since with the color and activity book to Spanish, French, Swahili, and Italian translations for the book. And so then I said, okay, I need to start. And then, I have a journal and a teacher’s guide. I have a teacher’s guide with it, too. But then I said, okay. I need to start writing the storyline.

Tiffani Teachey [00:07:17]:

So, I have the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series. And so they’re building up a little powered car. And so also next month after this is coming up is the building of a magical spaceship. And so now the STEM crew kids that’s in the, you know, initial book are now doing different activities. And so they get to learn about teamwork and working together. And so those are many of the different, yeah, types of books I’ve been able to spin off with and be able to get out there for resources.

Naomi Meredith [00:07:44]:

I love that. I’m gonna have to read the alphabet one to get ideas for my STEM Career Quest podcast because there are a lot of STEM jobs I haven’t heard of. And I was a STEM teacher, so it was different where I don’t have a STEM background in a STEM field. I have a master’s in STEM. Completely different. So I’m gonna have to read your book

Tiffani Teachey [00:08:03]:

to get some ideas

Naomi Meredith [00:08:05]:

for some jobs. But I know teachers are going to love that because STEM teachers and classroom teachers are always looking for those connections in different ways to incorporate literacy into their STEM blocks. So we’ll link all of your books in the show notes for sure because we’re always looking for those resources. So, with you being in STEM, you know it’s important, but, like, we should talk about it a little, but why do you think kids need to know about this? So we know the jobs are important, but why else do they need to learn about STEM?

Tiffani Teachey [00:08:40]:

I mean, STEM is everywhere. And when I talk to the kids, I’m like, you know that when you wake up in the morning, some type of STEM career has played a role with this. And because there are so many jobs, there are so many unfulfilled jobs in STEM, you’ve gotta start early, and these kids gotta get exposed early. So it’s just letting them know by hands-on activities, going to do different, you know, visits, going to do a job shadow. I tell the parents a lot of times, take a kid if they wanna be a veterinarian, maybe go have them. If they have a pet, go for days, job shadow them for a day so they can see and learn about those careers and they can start early with that. And so it’s just letting the kids know you are making a difference. Why I got into it? Because I knew I’d be challenged.

Tiffani Teachey [00:09:22]:

So kids know that they can make a difference with the work that they’re doing with STEM. And that’s why I try to share the importance of it because everything we do somewhere, somebody has tapped into it that’s in a STEM career. And because the jobs are out there, why not take advantage of being a part of it? And so that’s why I say kids should be a part of STEM because it’s you’re making a difference, and I think that’s ultimately it.

Naomi Meredith [00:09:44]:

Absolutely. And do you see that in your job? Like, with you being an engineer during the day, do you see that there are a lot of unfulfilled roles? Is that something they talk about or the trend? Yes.

Tiffani Teachey [00:09:57]:

I mean, the numbers are out there. I’ve seen where it’s 35,000,000 jobs that are out there, unfulfilled jobs for STEM. The statistics are out there. It’s just getting in those positions, going, you know, going to school, doing the internships, that really helps with your resume. I tell you that I pushed that a lot, too. I had 3 or 4 different types of internships, but it let me know career wise. So even starting before you go into the job, get those internships, and it lets you know what you wanna do and what you do not wanna do. And so I pushed that a lot with trying to decide if there are STEM jobs out there.

Tiffani Teachey [00:10:28]:

Yes. They’re out there but go ahead, getting your go and starting early, getting exposure that helps build your resume to get into those positions as well.

Naomi Meredith [00:10:38]:

It’s so true. You do have to experience it. We have a school near me, and it’s not a trade school, but it’s like an option with, like, electives in high school where the kids can actually try out different, they call them pathways. Mhmm. So some of them are a trade where they do actually, do some mechanical engineering on air local airplanes.

Tiffani Teachey [00:11:00]:

Mhmm.

Naomi Meredith [00:11:01]:

Some do some nursing type of things. Some are, like, doing cybersecurity.

Tiffani Teachey [00:11:04]:

Yeah.

Naomi Meredith [00:11:05]:

But they always talk about, like, because they are partnering with local businesses, a lot of them can get jobs right out of high school if it’s that type of job. But, also, like you were saying, maybe you don’t really like blood. Let’s say you’re doing the nursing pathway.

Tiffani Teachey [00:11:21]:

That was not my field. I said I knew it was not going into health care. I said I’m, you know, that I said I’m not trying to see all that. So I knew, yeah, that wasn’t it for me.

Naomi Meredith [00:11:29]:

Yeah. Right? And so you’re, like, not spending all this money. Like, oh, I’m not this isn’t for me. I wasted 3 years of college, and I can’t do this anymore, which is fine, but we like, that exposure the younger they argue. Little kids are always thinking about what they wanna be when they grow. We ask them all the time. That’s a kindergarten question when they graduate. What do you wanna be when you grow up?

Tiffani Teachey [00:11:51]:

And they’re like, woah. I wanna be this, so I wanna be that. Just like I thought I’d be a lawyer. Thought I could debate Yeah. Do all that. But, no, that wasn’t my calling for that. So okay.

Naomi Meredith [00:12:00]:

Yeah. I mean, I do I wanna be a teacher, but also, who would have thought in kindergarten I was gonna be a podcaster? Like, did I say that? No.

Tiffani Teachey [00:12:10]:

No. Not at all. Either.

Naomi Meredith [00:12:12]:

Yeah. Right? So, like, there’s even, like, you know, there are jobs out there that are going to be in the future that doesn’t exist, but all of the skills that they are doing now, like, the problem-solving you talked about, the collaborating, That is so important because whatever job you choose, you need to be a good employee.

Tiffani Teachey [00:12:31]:

Right. And that’s where soft skills play a role with it. I see a lot of presentation skills. I mean, those are key things. I tell the kids when I’m talking to them, I’m like, okay, what classes are needed? Math and science, but do not forget English and writing. You cannot forget these things because you gotta have these skills. You do the research, but how will you relate that research that you did? You gotta be able to present it. You gotta be able to write it.

Tiffani Teachey [00:12:54]:

So, I also incorporate that when I talk to the kids. So, not just math and science, but English is just as important as well. So

Naomi Meredith [00:13:01]:

Yeah. It is. It’s all connected. Even when I talk to teachers that, like, planning STEM lessons, I just talked to a teacher, and they’re all, oh, well, STEM isn’t reading and writing. Right? And I said no.

Tiffani Teachey [00:13:13]:

It is.

Naomi Meredith [00:13:13]:

Like, your face. If you guys see Tiffani’s face, your eyes got really big when I said that.

Tiffani Teachey [00:13:19]:

Because I’m like, I mean, I have to do it for work. Every day, we’ve gotta relate a message. We have to be able to present. You’ve gotta be able to say what is going on. So, reading and writing are definitely important.

Naomi Meredith [00:13:30]:

I know. Oh, oh, no. No. No. Like, it is all of that. Like, I know it’s not in the name, but it’s what you need to do I’m all the kids research. They’re researching for the project. They have to write how they’re gonna plan, what went well, what didn’t, and collect data.

Naomi Meredith [00:13:46]:

Gotcha.

Tiffani Teachey [00:13:46]:

Gotcha. And so Yeah.

Naomi Meredith [00:13:49]:

Like, no. No. It’s everything. So, even if you’re not a STEM teacher, you don’t have to be. And that’s actually really common. I teach some STEM field trips. Actually, why we rescheduled because of that STEM field trip. But I teach them, STEM field trips, in my community, and it’s so interesting, Tiffani, that most schools do not have STEM, and they don’t know what it is.

Naomi Meredith [00:14:11]:

And I yeah. They don’t even know what it is because I’m, like, hey. What’s STEM? And I can tell like, that’s my first question. And when we do these hands-on projects, it is so clear. Even if they didn’t tell me they didn’t have STEM, I know that they don’t have STEM because the way kids are talking to each other, the ones who do not have it give up a lot faster

Tiffani Teachey [00:14:31]:

Yes.

Naomi Meredith [00:14:31]:

They fight more. They don’t collaborate well. They draw, like, if we’re doing, like, a planning for a project, they’ll draw one way and just sit there. They won’t think of anything else.

Tiffani Teachey [00:14:42]:

Know the options. Yeah.

Naomi Meredith [00:14:43]:

Mhmm. And that’s the same yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Go ahead.

Tiffani Teachey [00:14:47]:

No. That’s it. I mean, the thing is failure, I mean, the whole fixing it, testing it out, you know, going through that that’s the whole design process we talk about with, definitely with the engineering design process of knowing you create it, you brainstorm, you go through the whole process, but how do you fix it and how does it make it work? A lot of times, it doesn’t work the first time. So those are things, you know, that play a role in it. So when you said that, I had to at least emphasize that piece.

Naomi Meredith [00:15:11]:

It’s so true. And you see it in your job, and you teach the kids, like, you know. And I see it, too. And I saw it when I first started when I was in my STEM space, I saw the same thing. And so, like, reiterating those skills, it takes practice. It’s not gonna be an overnight thing. It took 5 years for my students to get to where they were in the beginning and at the end, and it needs to keep going. And so even if you don’t have a STEM teacher or if you’re not a STEM teacher, you still need to do these types of things Mhmm.

Naomi Meredith [00:15:39]:

Because you’re actually doing it this service for your students. Like, you don’t have to have a background in it. We have both of us together. Tiffani and I Tiffani and I have everything for you to get sort started.

Tiffani Teachey [00:15:50]:

Yes. We sure do.

Naomi Meredith [00:15:53]:

So, speaking of that, you talked about your bugs. Do you have any fun projects going on or what are outside of your or it could be your regular job too, but what are some things you have going on in the STEM world?

Tiffani Teachey [00:16:04]:

Well, I do I mean, as far as different, I’m I make sure that there’s opportunities. So I’ve done STEM Magazine. So, oh, STEM Crew Magazine. That’s one thing as far as not just the books, but now I’ve got STEM Trailblazers. So now I’ve reached out to other STEM Trailblazers and have them in there. And then I have like 5 activities in each of the magazines where they can do different hands-on activities in it. And then of course contributing articles. So yeah, the STEM Crew Magazine, is another one of my parts of the journey of getting the message out there.

Tiffani Teachey [00:16:33]:

And yeah, the sky’s the limit. I’m always going on different platforms and talk, talking on different platforms, to make sure to message out there. Like I was able to do TEDx, in South Africa, University of South Africa. So, just getting the message out there, those are some of my projects, and I’m always making sure that the message is out there about the importance of STEM, especially with our kids.

Naomi Meredith [00:16:52]:

How do you get connected with schools? How do you go to schools, or do you do them virtually? How do you do all that?

Tiffani Teachey [00:16:59]:

Combination. I they said I get asked all the time. So often, their support with the books is like, okay, we want to get these books into the schools. And so, of course, you get the bulk sales with the schools. We’re getting asked to, been able to go and talk to the kids. And so I’m able to do reading, book reading, so virtually or either, you know, in person type of activities that’s been involved with us. So, yeah, it’s a combination. So, Yeah, definitely.

Tiffani Teachey [00:17:22]:

I’ve always done where I’ve done talks to the parents. I’ve done those types of talks, not just to the kids, but to the parents of the kids. I’ve had those types of sessions where we talk and try to get them engaged with it as well. As far as activities, as far as not just for the kids, I also have a playbook that’s coming out, a STEM playbook. The STEM playbook is gonna be where not just, you know, for the schools, but parents and families can now have different activities that they can look at for the kids as well. So, yeah, they’re getting into the schools. I’m constantly getting into the schools to get the message out there for the kids as well.

Naomi Meredith [00:17:55]:

Absolutely. We need a lot of people in the line because there are so many kids out there. We need a lot of us help influencing. And if you guys wanna hear Tiffani talk to kids. Actually you’re gonna hear this episode before the other one, but Tiffani’s gonna be a guest on the STEM Career Quest podcast, so you will get to hear her style chatting with the kids. So Yeah. You’ll we were gonna record that after this episode.

Tiffani Teachey [00:18:23]:

Love it.

Naomi Meredith [00:18:23]:

Love it. And so you’ve talked about it, like, getting the parents in excited, but is there, like, if someone doesn’t know or get started or if there’s, like, a big takeaway, what advice do you have for teachers and parents who might be hesitant, trying anything in STEM? It might sound overwhelming.

Tiffani Teachey [00:18:43]:

Mhmm.

Naomi Meredith [00:18:43]:

What advice do you have for them?

Tiffani Teachey [00:18:46]:

Well, my advice is don’t get discouraged, even if you don’t know. You can do a lot of stuff even at home. There are things at home, and it’s just getting your kids to start being that inquisitive, asking questions, getting them, I say just that that’s the start. Do some hands-on activities and find some materials. Now, let’s build something and work together. I think that’s key, and just getting the questions start stimulating their minds. I think that’s a great start. And then, like I said, the different field trips, the different going to a museum, going to different, you know, natures out here.

Tiffani Teachey [00:19:19]:

There are so many opportunities, not just inside, but you can also outside. So I would say just get started and if you don’t know, there are a lot of resources online. And by the way, I can’t give a free resource, 10 STEM Scholarships to Organizations. I’ve looked up and researched, www.stem is the way dot com. And so there are so many resources, and that’s a good start. If you can get some organizations where there’s definitely a Society of Women in Engineers, there’s the National Society of Engineers. There are so many professional organizations that if you look them up online, look up different engineering or STEM organizations. They probably have some volunteer opportunities or mentoring opportunities that you can also get started.

Naomi Meredith [00:19:58]:

That’s really good advice. I haven’t heard about some of those resources, so we’ll link all of that because that’s why we’re so lucky with the Internet. Like, there’s no excuse not to get started. Yes. So with that, where you have a lot of different places, but where can teachers find and connect with you and, learn all the things they’re doing in STEM?

Tiffani Teachey [00:20:21]:

I’m pointing them to 1, just like I just mentioned. And then from that point, we’ll be able to allow them to connect because then it’ll show the books and all that. So www.stemistheway.com. Go there, and then get to get you where you can get free gift of 10 STEM scholarships to organizations, and then it’ll connect you to where you can also get the books and everything. And you’ll learn more about me and everything I’m doing.

Naomi Meredith [00:20:45]:

And you guys, she has a full-time job. She’s doing all of this. So you’re a busy lady, Tiffani. I get it. I get get it.

Tiffani Teachey [00:20:53]:

And I’m also getting my PhD. I’m also getting my PhD as well. Yeah. That’s another I get it. Yeah. Yeah. I’m almost finished, but yes, I’m getting my Ph.D., in the leadership studies program for applying A and T. My undergrad is in mechanical engineering and engineering management from Winston-Charlotte.

Tiffani Teachey [00:21:08]:

But I also am getting his PhD as well, full-time job as well as the business itself. Yeah.

Naomi Meredith [00:21:12]:

You go, girl. I’m I’m rooting for you. That is awesome. I appreciate that so much. Like, from one hard worker to another, I get you. I totally understand. That’s great. Well, you guys heard it here first.

Naomi Meredith [00:21:28]:

There’s no excuse. You guys got this. We’re here for you, and we appreciate all of your insight, Tiffani, and all the amazing things that you’re doing to impact STEM Education.

Tiffani Teachey [00:21:39]:

Thank you. Thank you so much for having me.

Naomi Meredith [00:21:41]:

Thanks.