Meet Rebecca Viyera, Associate Director of Global Initiatives for PhET Interactive Simulations

Rebecca is a passionate advocate for STEM education, with a strong belief in the potential of teachers as leaders in shaping educational systems. As a former high school physics teacher and holder of a Ph.D. in science education, she has a deep understanding of effective teaching practices. Rebecca has managed educational networks for the Organization of American States and led initiatives as the K-12 Program Manager for the American Association of Physics Teachers. Her accomplishments include receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching and participating in the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. Currently supporting PhET's international strategy and programming, Rebecca is committed to driving positive change in science and math education globally.

In her upcoming interactive discussion, "STEM Teachers as International Strategic Leaders: Change Agents at the Systems Scale," Rebecca will showcase inspiring case studies of teacher fellowships in the U.S., Latin America, and Africa that have driven significant changes in education. Participants will learn how teachers can take an active role in transforming education and how their expertise can better inform policy design and implementation. The session aims to foster collaboration between educators and policymakers, envisioning strategies that empower teachers to play influential roles in shaping the future of education both at home and abroad.