Building STEM Identity and Future-Ready Skills in an AI-Powered World
In this episode of Practical Pedagogy: The Art of Teaching for the Future of Work, SmartLab CEO Dr. Jennifer Berry explores what it will take to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing, AI-powered world.
Drawing from her own unconventional “spiderweb” career journey, Dr. Berry shares why the future of education must move beyond passive, screen-based learning toward hands-on, experiential opportunities that challenge students to solve authentic problems, think independently, communicate their ideas, and learn through iteration.
The conversation explores the importance of developing STEM Identity, helping students build the self-belief that they belong in STEM, can master rigorous challenges, and have ideas that add value. Dr. Berry also discusses why these human capabilities become even more important as AI transforms how we learn and work.
From resisting the impulse to turn to AI before developing original ideas to strengthening communication, storytelling, critical thinking, and problem-solving, the episode offers a compelling perspective on the skills students will need for careers that may follow anything but a straight line.
Dr. Berry also shares how SmartLab’s integrated, career-connected K–12 STEM ecosystem creates opportunities for students to learn by doing, discover their strengths, and build the confidence and future-ready skills they need to navigate whatever comes next.