It’s full STEAM ahead for Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Music Teacher Bill Grillo.
Grillo was recently was successful in defending his dissertation on STEAM, an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. He has completed his doctor of education degree in Educational Leadership through the Educational Services and Leadership Department at Rowan University.
“I decided to pursue a dissertation about STEAM education and the ongoing discussion of how schools are innovating interdisciplinary learning,” said Grillo. “As a music teacher, I am not only concerned about the future of music education; rather, I am always exploring ways for students to realize that their artistic skills are actionable, employable, and potentially lucrative.”
To create his thesis, Grillo examined STEAM programs in K-12 districts to understand how STEAM is being implemented at all levels of learning, from elementary through high school.
“The STEAM programs under investigation in my study created student businesses, presented innovative research at community colleges, partnered with arts organizations, made design education central to their strategic planning goals, and changed the interdisciplinary landscape within their districts,” said Grillo. “There has been some concern about STEAM being one of those ‘educational fads,’ but I would say that as career education grows and school leaders continue to tie curricula to employable skills, then STEAM will continue to thrive as a learning construct. Go ARTS!”
Grillo has been a music teacher at RFH for nine years and is the director of all instrumental music ensembles including marching band, jazz band, concert band, and string ensemble. He also continues to teach two levels of songwriting and recording along with music theory courses.
— Edited press release from RFH
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