STEAM educator, one educator who does it all? An investigation of educators’ perceptions regarding the definition of STEAM educators’ job profile(s)

This study explores STEAM educators’ job profile(s), who utilize Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics to guide learners’ inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Despite the growing importance of STEAM education, there is no clear job description for a STEAM educator, hindering professional growth, efficiency, and training. Based on data from over 200 educators, the study investigates perceptions of STEAM educators’ job profile(s) and the need for auxiliary roles by supporting educators. The participants emphasized the importance of teamwork, diverse expertise, role differentiation, and the perceived significance of auxiliary roles, such as a STEAM educator’s assistant, STEAM lab expert, STEAM pedagogy expert and STEAM Coordinator. Additionally, participants believe that educators from any of the five STEAM disciplines can effectively contribute to STEAM education with appropriate training.