Dr. Steven Fletcher
Associate Professor, Environmental Science and Policy and Secondary Education, St. Edward’s University
Dr. Steven Fletcher is an educator, researcher, and mentor dedicated to fostering the growth of early-career secondary teachers and environmental science students through experiential and community-engaged learning. As an Associate Professor at St. Edward’s University, he integrates hands-on, place-based education with rigorous academic inquiry to prepare students for careers in education, environmental science, and policy.
Dr. Fletcher grew up on an island off the coast of Rhode Island, where he developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. He earned his undergraduate degree in Wetlands Ecology from the University of Connecticut before spending four years as an outdoor educator and program manager on an island in the Chesapeake Bay. His journey then took him to Seattle to build wooden boats before pursuing a more formal path in science education. He earned an M.Ed. in Science Education from the University of Arizona and later taught secondary science in Washington, D.C., and Tucson, Arizona. He moved to Austin to earn his Ph.D. in Science Education in 2006, focusing on the intersection of science learning, communities of practice, and environmental justice.
At St. Edward’s University, Dr. Fletcher has played a pivotal role in both the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture (no longer active) and the Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP) program, designing innovative courses that connect students with environmental issues and pedagogical best practices. His experiential learning initiatives include:
- CLI-RES Living Lab: Leading research on urban tree canopy resilience in Central Texas.
- 3M Tree Amigos Project: Developing environmental science curricula for middle and high school students, emphasizing the ecological and social value of urban forestry.
- Wetland Ecology and the Value of Craft: Engaging students in boat building as a medium for building field studies skills in wetland ecosystems.
- Avian Conservation: Leading field-based birding projects and habitat restoration efforts, including student-led installation of bluebird boxes on campus.
- Urban Wildlife Camera Trapping Project: Integrating technology and ecological research to document campus biodiversity.
Dr. Fletcher has also been deeply involved in teacher education research and service, serving as the Principal Investigator (PI) for NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grants since 2009. He has successfully managed over $2.3 million in grant funding , supporting aspiring STEM educators and aspiring environmental scientists through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development. His leadership in active listening, relationship-building, and civil discourse training prepares both educators and environmental professionals to engage effectively with diverse communities.
Through his work, Dr. Fletcher challenges students to blend craftsmanship, play, and scientific inquiry to better understand the world around them. His approach ensures that future educators and environmental professionals become thoughtful, reflective practitioners committed to justice, sustainability, and lifelong learning.
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor with Tenure, 2017-Present
Associate Professor, 2012-2016
Assistant Professor, 2006-2012
Ph.D. in Science Education at University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 2006
M.Ed. in Science Education with 8-12 Biology teacher certification at University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 2003
B.A in Renewable Natural Resources at University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 1989.
Honors and Awards
2017, Distinguished Teaching Award, St. Edward's University.
2014, DeLayne Hudspeth Award for Innovative Instruction, St. Edward's University
2014-2015, Technology Learning and Teaching Roundtable Grant, St. Edward's University
2013, Exemplary Field-Based Program, CREATE
2009-2013, Presidential Excellence Grant, St. Edward's University
Community Service
I created and currently direct the Texas STEM Teacher Circle - A community-based and collaborative STEM teacher group that meets monthly to share ideas, learn from one another, and try new inquiry-based activities related to STEM teaching in the K-12 environment.
Organizations, Boards and Memberships
UTeach Maker Education Advisory Board - 2017 to present
I belong to multiple professional organisations related to Science Teacher Education including NARST, NSTA, and AERA. I also am a member of ASCD.
Conferences
I regularly present and attend teacher education conferences and meetings both regionally and nationally.
Research
Dr. Fletcher has spent the last 13 years working to better understand teacher development from recruitment
into teacher preparation programs to induction for secondary science teachers. He has examined the evolution of pre-service science teacher beliefs and practices about science teaching and learning, factors that promote successful recruitment and retention into teacher preparation programs, and how reflection interacts with early field experiences for beginning teachers.
Active Grants
Powell Foundation Maker Weekend Workshop Series ($30,000) 2019-2020.
Previously Awarded Grants
Powell Foundation Texas Teacher Circle Project ($47,000) 2016-2017
NSF Robert Noyce Scholarship Phase II grant ($297,000) 2014-2017
NSF Robert Noyce Scholarship Phase I grant ($885,000) 2008-2013
Powell Foundation Grant ($15,000) 2013-2014
3M Project Sustain ($20,000) 2011-2013
Austin Community Foundation ($4500) 2012-2013
Creative Expression Statement
Dr. Fletcher has a firm commitment to helping others develop a balance between creative expression and more traditional scholarly focus. He has developed and led a series of faculty retreats that blend four days of scholarly output with creative expression. This is also a central focus with his teacher training coursework.
Publications
Peterson, K., & Fletcher, S.S., (2019). Learning to Teach in Practical Settings. In the Handbook of Research on Critical Thinking Strategies In Pre-Service Learning Environments. p. 1-18. Hershey PA: IGI-Global.
Luft, J., Potter, T., & Fletcher, S. (2005). Guided by the standards: Inquiry and assessment in two rural and urban schools. In R. Yager (Ed.), Exemplary science in grades 9-12: Standards-based success stories. (pp 83-91). Arlington, VA: NSTA press.
Fletcher, S., & Luft, J. (2004). Did we cause this? In T. R. Koballa Jr. & D. J. Tippens (Eds.), Cases in middle and secondary science education: The promise and dilemmas (pp. 117-119). Upper SaddleRiver, NJ: Pearson.
Articles
Rodriguez, S, Fletcher, S.S., & Harron, J. (Upcoming, March 2019). Introducing 'Making' to Elementary and Secondary Preservice Science Teachers Across Two University Settings. Innovations In Science Teacher Education. ASTE press.
Rodriguez, S., Harron, J., & Fletcher, S.S. & Spock, H. (2018). The Elements of Making Matrix: A tool to support making in the science classroom. The Science Teacher. 85, 2. p.24-30.
Luft, J.A., Fletcher, S.S., & Nixon, R. (In review). Subject Matter Knowledge that is Needed to Teach Science: Conceptualizing and Exploring this Construct. Journal of Science Teacher Education.
Fletcher, S. S. and Luft, J. A. (2011). Early career secondary science teachers: A longitudinal study ofbeliefs in relation to field experiences. Science Education. doi: 10.1002/sce.20450
Fletcher, S & Luft, J. (2009). Early Career Secondary Science Teachers: A Longitudinal Study of Beliefs in Relation to Field Experiences. Proceedings of the 82nd National Association of Research in Science Teaching Annual Conference. Orange County, CA. National Association of Research in Science Teaching.
Fletcher, S. (2009). Negotiating Social Capital at the Intersection of University/School Partnerships. In J. Settlage & A. Johnston (Eds.), Proceedings of the Science Education at the Crossroads Conference (pp. 36-37). Portland, Or: National Science Foundation.
Fletcher, S. (2008). Teacher Program Development as Aikido: One Warrior Searches for Harmony. In J. Settlage & A. Johnston (Eds.), Proceedings of the Science Education at the Crossroads Conference (pp. 34-35). Alta, UT: National Science Foundation.
Luft, J., Lee, E., Fletcher, S., & Roehrig, G. (2007). Growing or wilting? Beginning Science biology teachers in a science-focused induction program. American Biology Teacher. 69, 6, 341-346.
Luft, J., Fletcher, S., & Fortney, B. (2005). Early recruitment of science teachers: Promising or problematicstrategy. Science Educator. 14, 41-48.
Presentations
Disch, M., Fletcher, S., Hammonds, H., Johnson, E., Lucas, L. (08/18). Make Way for Making: An Exploration of Makerspaces in Higher Education. The St. Edward’s University Teaching Symposium 2018: A Conference on College Teaching. Austin, TX.
Bilinski,T., Brantl, M., Fletcher, S., Glenn, D., & Wilburn, K. (08/18). The Future of Pass/No Pass Grading at SEU. The St. Edward’s University Teaching Symposium 2018: A Conference on College Teaching. Austin, TX.
Fletcher,S., Loughmiller, l., Mirando, A., Dube, K., Nyguen S.,, and Benfield, P. (05/18). Special Needs Students in Makerspaces: Challenges and Opportunities. Austin Maker Education Summit, Austin TX.
Peterson, K. & Fletcher, S.S. (04/18). Developing Critical Teacher Identities: A Design Based Inquiry in a Teacher Education Program. 2018 American Education Research Association Annual Conference. New York, NY.
Fletcher, S.S, (7/17). St. Edward’s University Noyce Scholarship Program – Year Three. Poster presentation at the 2017 Annual NSF Noyce Summit, Washington DC.
Fletcher, S.S., Newman, C., Mueller, F., & Valdez, E. (7/17). Stories from the Field – In-service STEM teachers discuss pivotal moments as noyce scholars. 2017 NSF Noyce Summit, Washington DC.
Fletcher, S., Sloan, K,, Kopec, R., Wilburn, K., & Rodenborn, S. (08/16). Teaching your Passion in a Living Learning Community. Center for Teaching Excellence Annual Symposium. St. Edward’s University, Austin TX.
Fletcher, S., Ontai, A. (08/16). Move over Bill Nye, Here comes Amy Ontai: Using video to motivate kids. Austin Independent School District Annual Summer Science Institute, Austin TX.
Fletcher, S. (08/16). Science Process Skills and Toy Dissection. Austin Independent School District Annual Summer Science Institute, Austin TX.
Fletcher, S. (08/16). Shared Leadership using Wenger and Wenger Frameworks. Keynote address – 2016 SEU Noyce Scholars Phase II Summer Retreat, Austin, TX
Rodriguez, S. & Fletcher, S. (01/16). Observation as Professional Experimentation. An analysis of the noticing of secondary science cooperating teachers as they observe preservice teachers. Association for Science Teacher Education Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX.
Peterson, L., Fletcher, S., Green Musselman, J., & Kennedy, B. (08/15). Signature Programs Information Session. Center for Teaching Excellence Annual Symposium. St. Edward’s University, Austin TX.
Fletcher, S. (08/15). Preparing for your first year. Keynote address – SEU Noyce Scholars Phase II Summer Retreat, Fredricksburg, TX.
Fletcher S. and Quinn, W. (05/15). Meaningful Imaging in the Biology Classroom. American Society for Microbiology Educators Annual meeting. Austin TX.
Fletcher, S. (10/14). Project SUSTAIN – developing curriculum for informal science education sites. University of Georgia Science Education Invited Speaker Series. Athens GA.
Fletcher, S. (10/14). Video analysis as a tool for teacher development. University of Georgia Science Education Invited Speaker Series. Athens GA.
Fletcher, S. (10/14). Community and collaboration: STEM teacher induction using the teacher circle model. University of Georgia Science Education Invited Speaker Series. Athens GA.
Fletcher, S. (09/14). Examining Mendel’s Compost Pile: Mutated Cross-Pollination of the Vex/Ven Cycle in a Preservice Teacher Preparation Program. Science Education at the Crossroads Annual Conference, Portland OR.
Fletcher, S. (08/14). Making your Bed and other advice. SEU Medallion Ceremony Convocation address, St. Edward’s University, Austin TX.
Fletcher, S. (03/14). Texas STEM Teacher Circle. Skillpoint Alliance Quarterly Meeting. Austin TX
Fletcher, S. And Tillotson, J. (01/14). Forging collaborative relationships between large and small universities – A conversation around science teacher development. Association for Science Teacher Education Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX.
Fletcher S., and Simpson, G. (09/13). St. Edward’s University Secondary Teacher Preparation Program. Invited Poster for Exemplary Field-Based Program Award at Annual CREATE meeting. Austin TX.
Fletcher, S., Simpson, G, Blair, D., & Newman, C. (09/13). Using video as a tool for teacher development and program evaluation. CREATE Annual Meeting, Austin TX.
Fletcher, S. & Villanueva, S. (08/13). An overview of IRB rules and policies. Center for Teaching Excellence Annual Symposium. St. Edward’s University, Austin TX
Fletcher, S. (08/13). Responding to Disruptive Innovation. Plenary Panel presentation, Center for Teaching Excellence Annual Symposium. St. Edward’s University, Austin TX
Fletcher, S. (11/12). Building a community of nerds: Four Years of the SEU Noyce program. 2012-13 Faculty Talks on Scholarly, Creative, and Professional Work, St. Edward’s University. Austin, TX.
Fletcher, S. (09/12). Hunched on the volcano – Professional identity and ungraded student work. Science Education at the Crossroads Annual Conference, Providence, RI.
Fletcher, S., & Sanhueza-Lyon, J., (05/12). Professional Identity as an Educator: The role of social media. NSF Noyce Annual Conference, Washington DC.
Fletcher, S., et al (05/12). All hands on deck: Pre-service stem teachers on a co-generative journey, NSF Noyce Annual conference. Washington, D.C.
Fletcher, S. (10/11). Honey, call the plumber. Science Education at the Crossroads Annual Conference, Providence, RI.
Fletcher, S., Simpson, G., Naples, C., & Quinn, B. (07/11). Unplugging the STEM teacher recruitment pipeline from Community College to University. NSF Noyce Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
Fletcher, S (04/11). Unplugging the Math and Science Teacher Pipeline: Recruitment from Community Colleges. Austin Science Education at the Crossroads Conference, Austin, TX.
Rodriguez, S., Fletcher, S., & Huff, C. (03/11). Unpacking mentorship: Voices from science teachers that mentor preservice teacher candidates. National Science Teacher Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Fletcher, S. Sessions, A. & Naples, C. (7/10). Factors related to recruitment: The St. Edward’s University Robert Noyce Scholars program Year Two findings. Poster presented at the NSF Robert Noyce Program Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
Fletcher, S., Naples, C., & Sessions, A. (07/10). Building a Noyce Partnership between a University/Community College. Noyce Annual Conference, Washington DC.
Fletcher, S (03/10) Science teacher recruitment and the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program: Promising strategies and possible connections. Symposium paper accepted at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching annual meeting, Philadephia, PA.
Fletcher, S (09/09). Negotiating social capital at the intersection of university / school district partnerships, Paper presented at the Science Education at the Crossroads annual conference, Portland Or.
Embry-Jenlink, K. & Fletcher, S. (07/09). Building a sustainable STEM educator pathway: The St. Edward’s University Robert Noyce Scholars program Year One. Poster presented at the NSF Robert Noyce Program Annual Conference, Washington DC.
Fletcher, S.& Luft, J. (04/09) Early career secondary science teachers: A longitudinal study of beliefs in relation to field experiences. Paper presented at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching annual meeting, Orange County, Ca.
Fletcher, S (01/09). Strand Coordinator – Teacher Beliefs and Practices, Association for Science Teacher Education Annual Conference, Hartford, Ct.
Sloan, K., & Fletcher. S. (10/08). Assessment Literacy in the classroom. Invited professional development workshop for Covington Middle School faculty, October 13th, Austin TX.
Fletcher, S (2008). Teacher Program Development as Aikido: One Warrior Searches for Harmony. Paper presented at the Science Education at the Crossroads annual conference, Alta, UT.
Fletcher, S., Roehrig, G., Tobin, K., Bell, R., & Beeth, M. (2008). Lost in the crevasse : Perspectives on the relationship between theory and practice in science education. Paper set presented at the Association for Science Teacher Education annual meeting, St. Louis, MO.
Fletcher, S. (10/07). Challenging pre-service teacher beliefs about teaching and learning and the theory/practice conundrum. Paper presented at the Science Education at the Crossroads annual conference, Amherst, MA.
Fletcher, S. (1/07). Exploring the Beliefs and Practices of Five Pre-service Secondary Science Teachers From Recruitment through Induction in a University Preparation Program: A Longitudinal Study. Paper presented at the Association for Science Teacher Education annual meeting, Clearwater, FL.
Fletcher, S. (10/06). Death to power point! Appropriate technology for the contemporary science classroom. Presentation at the Dana Center’s Conference for Higher Education annual meeting, Lakeway, TX.
Fletcher, S. (9/06). Building a Science Education Program at a Small University. Paper presented at the Annual Science Education at the Crossroads Conference, Ogden UT.
Brown, M., Roehrig, G., Kern, A., Luft, J., & Fletcher, S. (4/06). Predominant paradigms of beginning science teachers: The development of a nature of science instrument. Paper presented at the National Association of Research in Science Teaching annual meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Fletcher, S., Brown, M., Ursal, S., Crawford, H., Luft, J., & Roehrig, G. (1/06). Preliminary Findings from a multi-year secondary science teacher induction study. Paper presented at the Association for Science Teacher Education annual meeting, Portland, OR.
Fletcher, S., & Luft, J. (4/05). Punctuated Equilibrium or gradual growth? Factors that influence pre-service secondary science teachers beliefs. Paper presented at the National Association of Research in Science annual meeting, Dallas, TX.
Fletcher, S., & Luft, J (2/05). Linking reflective practice and science as inquiry during an early field experience: Lessons learned. Paper presented at the Southwest Association for Science Teacher Education annual meeting, San Antonio TX.
Fletcher, S., Luft, J., & Roehrig, G. (1/05). Teach/Reteach: The impact of a 2 X 3 day teaching experience on preservice science teacher reflection Paper presented at the Association for the Education of Teachers of Science annual meeting, Colorado Springs, CO.
Fletcher, S., Luft, J., & Fortney, B. (1/05). Three steps forward or two steps back/ Impacts on the beliefs and knowledge of preservice science teachers. Paper presented at the Association for the Education of Teachers of Science annual meeting, Colorado Springs, CO.
Fortney, B., Luft, J., & Fletcher, S. (4/04) Informing expectations for early recruitment programs: Explorations among science teachers in a science teacher preparation program. Paper presented at the National Association of Research in Science Teaching annual meeting, Vancouver, BC.
Fletcher, S. (11/02). Social ecology in underserved communities; Using science to connect students to their communities. Paper presented at the National Science Teachers Association annual meeting, Albuquerque, NM.
Fletcher S. (10/99). Acres of Insects: using live aquatic insects in high school science classrooms. National Association of Biology Teachers annual meeting, Fort Worth, TX.