Teachers hold a pivotal role in shaping students’ attitudes, self-efficacy, and career aspirations, especially in STEM fields where gender stereotypes are deeply entrenched (Mujtaba & Reiss, 2013), that is why the STREAM IT project places a strong emphasis on supporting them. The National Inspiration Hubs serve as dynamic online spaces where elementary and secondary school STEAM teachers/university educators/educators of other organisations and institutions with a particular focus on deconstructing gender stereotypes and bias in teaching come together to share knowledge, collaborate, and build capacity. The Hubs facilitates the exchange of expertise, best practices, and lessons learned to promote innovative approaches in STEAM education.
The National Inspiration Hubs are an informal network of stakeholders from different sectors of society in each partner country. This multi-sector network approach enables the group to identify country-based needs and barriers to gender equality that are specific and relevant to that group and to work collaboratively to develop solutions. Therefore, the aims and goals of each National Inspiration Hub will be different, and unique. However, each Hub offers a series of interactive webinars. Additionally, the project will also organise an international training session to enhance peer-to-peer learning and professional development of STEAM educators with a focus on incorporating the gender dimension in methodology.