In our workshops, we utilize local materials and content aligned to the national curriculum to holistically equip STEM teachers to facilitate hands-on, inquiry-based lessons.
APPROACH
We host teacher training workshops to explore hands-on STEM activities that use low-cost, locally available materials.
A lack in material resources often leave teachers feeling limited to using traditional approaches. PEN empowers teachers around the world to engage their students in hands-on science projects. We train teachers in executing these activities within the structure of traditional education programs.
Our material blends constructivist learning with design training to allow participants to discover key concepts and harness them to engage in projects relevant to their daily lives.
PEN has a special emphasis on the challenges of STEM education in the developing world – large class sizes, scarce material resources, and the novelty of interactive pedagogies.
We employ a teach-the-teachers business model, leveraging our partners' networks to reach scale.
Since 2014, we have been running workshops around Ghana with our local partners.We have been growing in numbers and reach each year!
CORE TEAM
Heather Beem
CEO & Founder
Heather completed her PhD at MIT in Mechanical Engineering, where she co-founded MIT's D-Lab: Education class. She also teaches engineering at Ashesi University.
Joseph Quaye Amoo
Programmes Manager
Quaye has a BA in Communications Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He is a passionate child, youth and women's development activist. He leads the team to design and implement training programmes for STEM teachers.
Margaret Dzakpasu
Finance & Admin. Manager
Margaret holds an MBA in Finance from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and a Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.Ed. Social Sciences) from University of Cape Coast. In the past, Margaret has had extensive experience working on USAID projects, from January 2003 to February 2018.
Emelia Benedicta Mensah
Partnerships & Resource Mobilisation Manager
Emelia holds an MBA in International Trade from the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. She has a vast experience in Business Development and Customer Relations. She is leading PEN's drive to build partnerships with education stakeholders and mobilise resources to scale up PEN's impact.
Fredrick Ohene Atta Opoku
Logistics Officer
Fredrick manages PEN's logistics to ensure the smooth running of all operations. He is a Marine Science graduate from the University of Ghana.
Mawuena Asem Hanson
Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer
Mawuena monitors and evaluates all projects and interventions at PEN. Mawuena holds a masters degree in Global Health from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden and a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science from University of Ghana, Legon.
Edith-Casely Ndidi Fordjoe
Communication & Partnerships Officer
Edith-Casely has a MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of Ghana. She complements the PEN team as the Communications and Partnerships Officer, using her multifaceted expertise and experience in project management, marketing, copywriting and community-focused development initiatives.
Mohammed Dukuly
Local Training Support Officer
Mohammed holds a MSc in Materials Science and Engineering and a BSc in Chemistry. He is a passionate STEM professional who is supporting PEN on the ground to implement hands-on STEM training for teachers in Montserrado County in Liberia.
Christiana Brammea Obubah
IT Support Assistant
Christiana is a National Service Personnel who joined PEN as an IT Support Assistant. She holds a Diploma in Information Technology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the same university.
INTERNS & VOLUNTEERS
Issifu Alhassan
Content Developer
Issifu is a Computer Engineering graduate from Ashesi University. With his experience with Mathematics both as a teacher and a student, he is leading a team to develop and test content for PEN's math manual.
Evans Sackitey
Content Developer
Evans is a graduate of KNUST with a BSc. in Materials. Engineering. His primary goal at PEN is to work on the PEN'S hands-on Mathematics and Science teacher resource manual, in accordance with to the GES school curriculum.
Rosemary Dziko
Content Developer
Rosemary had her diploma at Jackson Collage of Education where she studied General education. She is currently interning with PEN as an assistant content developer to analyse and resolve problems as
well as to build a profession that will offer endless opportunities to others.
.
Benjamin Gomado
Content Developer
Benjamin is recent graduate of Ashesi University with a BSc.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He is currently working with PEN to develop the Math content of PEN's STEM curriculum.
Jadis Azade Aganda
Content Developer
Jadis is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. She has demonstrated interest in working with young people and is currently working with students to test and develop PEN's math content curriculum.
Desmond Kuuchi
Content Developer
Desmond is a motivated and outgoing student at Ashesi University pursuing a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering. He joins PEN to help promote hands-on STEM education in Africa by developing level-specific content for schools.
Godfred Kogkane
Content Developer
Godfred is a Management Information Systems student at Ashesi University. He joins PEN as a content developer intern with the intention of making an impact on students. He is motivated by a desire to learn more about technology and use it to help people.
MASTER TRAINERS
Emmanuel Ocquaye
District Science Coordinator, Ga East District
Emmanuel is an enthusiastic practical teacher and commands a refined skill in guiding teachers through practical activities. He also serves as National Secretary for GAST.
Saddik Mohammed
District Science Coordinator, Weija-Gbawe District
Saddik is the Chair of Curriculum for GAST, and he was previously awarded Best Science Teacher in Greater Accra Region. He brings a wealth of teacher training experience.
Dr. Thomas Tagoe
Lecturer, University of Ghana
PhD (Neuroscience)
Thomas completed his PhD in Neuroscience and is a passionate STEM advocate, having co-founded GhScientific.
Selase Dorledzi
Teacher, Zenu KKMA JHS Ashaiman
Selase was one of the first batch of teachers PEN trained, and she has since skyrocketed into a star practical science teacher.
Rejoyce Akoto
Teacher, Asofan M/A 1 JHS
Rejoyce trains and encourage teacher colleagues in her circuit on hands-on science methods through the accessibility and affordability of local materials.
Simon Dzamenu
Teacher, Kofi Kwei M/A Basic School
Simon's motivation in training teachers on hands-on science practicals has been the rate of change in pupils' understanding through practical activities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Gordon Adomdza
Associate Professor,
Ashesi University
Dr Adomdza is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Ashesi University and has spearheaded a design thinking movement in Ghana. He leads PEN in testing business models and developing organizational growth strategies.
Dr. Heather Beem
CEO & Founder, Practical Education Network
Heather completed her PhD at MIT in Mechanical Engineering, where she co-founded MIT's D-Lab: Education class. She also teaches engineering at Ashesi University.
Saddik Mohammed
District Science Coordinator, Weija-Gbawe District
Saddik is the Chair of Curriculum for GAST, and he was previously awarded Best Science Teacher in Greater Accra Region. He brings a wealth of teacher training experience.
Agnes
Allotey
Founder & Managing Director, Stratosphere Consulting
Agnes is a Senior Executive with a remarkable track record in driving go-to-market strategies, fostering acquisitive growth, and spearheading innovation for ambitious businesses. She has an has an MBA from New York University.
MENTORS
Lucy Quist
Business Leader, STEM Advocate
Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann
Associate Professor,
University of Ghana &
NSMQ Quiz Mistress
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufman
Senior Lecturer,
University of Ghana &
NSMQ Quiz Mistress
Dr Kaufmann is a strong advocate of STEM and leading voice and figure in STEM education in Ghana. She serves as the NSMQ Quiz Mistress and has led the growth of Biomedical Engineering in Ghana.
Dr. Gordon Adomdza
Associate Professor,
Ashesi University
Dr Adomdza is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Ashesi University and has spearheaded a design thinking movement in Ghana. He leads PEN in testing business models and developing organizational growth strategies.
Dr. Heather Beem
CEO & Founder
Heather completed her PhD at MIT in Mechanical Engineering, where she co-founded MIT's D-Lab: Education class. She also teaches engineering at Ashesi University.
Saddik Mohammed
District Science Coordinator, Weija-Gbawe District
Saddik is the Chair of Curriculum for GAST, and he was previously awarded Best Science Teacher in Greater Accra Region. He brings a wealth of teacher training experience.
CORE TEAM
Heather Beem
CEO & Founder
Heather completed her PhD at MIT in Mechanical Engineering, where she co-founded MIT's D-Lab: Education class. She also teaches engineering at Ashesi University.
Joseph Quaye Amoo
Operations Manager
Quaye oversees the day to day running of PEN operations in STEM education. He is a passionate child and youth development activist.
Desmond Asamoah
Partnerships & Resource Mobilisation Manager
Desmond builds thriving collaborations with STEM stakeholders in Ghana and beyond. He holds an MA in Global Development and Social Justice from St. John’s University, New York.
Margaret Dzakpasu
Finance & Admin. Manager
Margaret holds an MBA in Finance from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and a Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.Ed. Social Sciences) from University of Cape Coast. In the past, Margaret has had extensive experience working on USAID projects, from January 2003 to February 2018.
Fredrick Opoku
Logistics Officer
Fredrick manages PEN's logistics to ensure the smooth running of all operations. He is a Marine Science grad from University of Ghana.
Nancy Ewurum
Communications & Marketing Officer
Nancy brings PEN's work to life in the eyes of our stakeholders, communicating our work and impact widely.
Mawuena Asem Hanson
Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer
Mawuena monitors and evaluates all projects and interventions at PEN. Mawuena holds a masters degree in Global Health from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden and a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science from University of Ghana, Legon.
Settor Safo
Multimedia Officer
Settor is an experienced filmmaker with a demonstrated history of working in the television and advertising industry. With a background in Fine Arts in Film and Television production, he designs, creates and manages all multimedia assets at PEN in training, teaching and learning the PEN way.
Nana Araba Koomson
Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Officer
Nana Araba handles partnerships and resources mobilization efforts at PEN. She holds an MSC in Marketing from London South Bank University.
Leonard Asare
Curriculum and Training Officer
Leonard holds an MPhil in Molecular Cell Biology and a BSc in Biochemistry, both from University of Ghana.
He has had significant experience in teaching Science in the GES and Cambridge systems. Leonard is very enthusiastic about STEM education and research at all levels
