There are plenty of things to be said and discussed when it comes to women representation in traditionally male-dominated fields. And while we have seen a more active campaign for gender equality in the workplace in recent years, women have always been underrepresented in STEM/STEAM. In spite of this, women in STEM have always made significant contributions in the fields of science and technology, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and space travel, among others—from Marie Curie’s pioneering research in radioactivity to NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan’s groundbreaking work that made launching rockets and astronauts into space possible to the positive impact of women STEM tutors and teachers in education.

Women’s more active involvement and participation in STEM fields ensure that the needs and perspectives of everyone in society are recognized, represented, and addressed. Gender equality in STEM improves scientific and socio-economic outcomes and develops a better culture in STEM workplaces. Simply put, we need more women in STEM because it allows us to build a better world. Here at Stemly, we are committed to doing our part in strengthening the role and supporting women in STEM by actively seeking out highly trained, professional, and inspiring women STEM tutors.

 Why Stemly Hires Women STEM Tutors

For generations, girls have been conditioned to think math and science are not their strong suits and that only boys can excel in STEM. As a woman-led company, Stemly continuously strives to break this outdated and flawed notion by exposing our students—especially young girls—to successful, competent, and confident women in STEM through our team of women STEM tutors.

Here are the top three reasons Stemly hires women STEM tutors.

1. Women STEM tutors and mentors act as positive role models for young girls.

One of the reasons young girls don’t always pursue a STEM career is the lack of visible role models. A 2016 study, titled “Demographic Characteristics of High School Math and Science Teachers and Girls’ Success in STEM,” found that the likelihood of girls pursuing a STEM-related major in college is directly connected to the number of female math and science teachers in their high school. This is further supported by a Microsoft study, which reveals that being exposed to examples of STEM in real life and the presence of role models and mentors foster and strengthen girls’ connection with STEM.

By working with women STEM tutors, Stemly students are introduced to positive role models that help them witness and understand what women in STEM can do and achieve. Having real-life role models helps girls build their skills and confidence. By having access to a mentor, the student understands that she too can be just like their mentor. We believe that by showing girls and young women what women in STEM have accomplished, how they have changed the world throughout history, and how today’s women in STEM (such as our tutors, who are accomplished STEM professionals) continue to excel in their chosen fields, we can encourage them to turn their interest in STEM into a lifelong passion.

2. Women STEM tutors address the confidence gap.

Gender stereotypes have also largely affected how girls are expected to perform in STEM-related subjects. Many argue that there is a difference in how boys and girls learn. Girls mature earlier than boys, in general, which is why girls typically perform and score higher in literacy-related skills (reading, writing, and comprehension) during the early years of education. Boys are thought to possess the so-called “math brain,” but research shows no innate cognitive differences in how boys and girls learn math. In fact, in 2015, the University of Missouri and the University of Glasgow led a global study of 1.5 million 15-year-old students. They found that girls outperformed boys in 70 percent of the world, including in mathematics and science literacy. 

Still, it’s hard to undo the effects of decades upon decades of harmful gender-based stereotypes in the education system. Studies reveal that despite excelling previously and showing great interest, many girls lose confidence in math by third grade. In contrast, boys have been found to be more likely to say that they are good in math by second grade. In another study by Microsoft, girls have been found to lose interest in STEM as they grow older. Research shows that both sociocultural expectations and stereotypes influence girls to pursue career paths outside of STEM, despite showing previous interest in the field and the lucrative job opportunities.

A 2017 study published in the “Research in Science Education” journal also found that girls tend to underestimate their STEM-related skills and science abilities. The research shows that although boys and girls perform similarly in science while in primary school, girls consistently lack confidence in their science performance and would negatively compare their work and skills with that of their peers. This leads to fewer women choosing STEM-related subjects as areas of study in high school and higher education.

At Stemly, our women STEM tutors’ objective is not only to help students improve their academic performance but also to inspire learning and provide a safe and encouraging environment for them to ask questions and pursue their interests. We nurture each of our student’s strengths and interests and address their areas of need so they can become confident and independent learners inside and outside the classroom. 

Odile Farrel, a parent of a Stemly student, captures this perfectly in her testimonial, saying, “Working diligently with her tutor, Kisha, my daughter learned a semester of Pre-Calculus in less than four weeks. She got an A+ on her final project and a B+ on her cumulative exam. But more important than raising her grade, Stemly restored my daughter’s confidence, and she enjoys math again! I can’t thank Alexa and Kisha enough. I never imagined a result this good!”

3. Women STEM tutors support the next generation of women in STEM.

Women in STEM begin as girls interested in math and science. However, this interest is often dampened by traditional gender roles and stereotypes that force girls into a box and limit what they think they can or can’t do. Despite having the skills, talent, and interest, girls are less likely to pursue a STEM degree, and in turn, fewer manage to break into and succeed in STEM-related fields.

Our women STEM tutors are real examples that girls and women are just as capable as boys and men when it comes to math and science. They are proof that girls can excel in any field and don’t have to live according to social or cultural expectations. 

Stemly’s women math and science tutors provide encouragement, support, and learning opportunities to girls and young women, as well as promote a growth mindset that empowers our students to welcome challenges.

We understand that several factors can affect the likelihood of a female student choosing the path of STEM. Among them is how attitudes at home can influence a girl’s interest in STEM-related fields. This is why it’s equally important for us to work closely with parents to raise awareness on how they can support and shape their home environment to encourage their daughters to pursue their interests.

Virtual Math and Science Tutoring with Stemly

Stemly Tutoring offers comprehensive virtual one-on-one STEM tutoring for all students. Our friendly, highly trained, and professional math and science tutoring experts provide fun, engaging, and individualized tutoring plans that target every student’s specific needs and goals as well as encourage and nurture their interests in math and science. This is particularly important as classrooms are not always equipped to support a student’s interest outside of their curriculum. All lessons are conducted online, giving you the advantage of having a flexible schedule while allowing you to stay on top of your studies.

Our math and science tutors are experienced in teaching a wide variety of students and have extensive knowledge of local curriculums.

Stemly’s math and science tutoring services include Pre-Algebra tutoring, Algebra 1 tutoring, Algebra 2 tutoring, Geometry tutoring, Trigonometry tutoring, Pre-Calculus tutoring, Calculus 1 tutoring, Calculus 2 tutoring, Multivariable Calculus tutoring, Statistics tutoring, General Physics tutoring, Mechanics tutoring, Electricity & Magnetism tutoring, General Chemistry tutoring, Organic Chemistry tutoring, General Biology tutoring, and Biochemistry tutoring. We also offer AP math and science tutoring, including AP Calculus AB tutoring, AP Calculus BC tutoring, AP Physics 1 tutoring, AP Physics 2 tutoring, AP Physics C tutoring, AP Chemistry, and AP Biology tutoring.

Reach out to Stemly Tutoring today to learn more about how we can help!