Area of Focus: Elementary (Grades K – 5) STEM (including coding and robotics)
Marie Rice is an urban educator and teacher leader within the Rochester City School District. Over the past 24 years, she has held roles as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, mentor, International Baccalaureate teacher, and professional development provider. While currently serving as a kindergarten teacher, she has taught all grades from K-5 while also providing a wide array of professional learning opportunities for her colleagues. She is also a facilitator for several professional learning opportunities through the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education on topics including Computer Science and Digital Fluency, Coding in the Elementary Classroom, Integrating Science and Engineering Practices, and Content Focused Coaching. She was a Phase II Noyce Master Teaching Fellow at the University of Rochester where she received her Doctorate of Education in 2020. Her dissertation work centered on the importance of teaching computer science and coding beginning in kindergarten. Marie is passionate about harnessing the power of teaching and learning STEAM in order to provide all learners with the support and challenge needed to become successful in school and beyond. Much of her work is focused on the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage in authentic learning experiences, rich discourse, and cultivating self-directed learners.