As an instrumentality charter school, the governance board approves the curriculum for the school. This means that Wauwatosa STEM has autonomy from the approved curriculum of the Wauwatosa School District. In exchange for autonomy, the school must demonstrate the positive impact of our independent curriculum on student learning. As indicated by our name, our curriculum is focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We utilize both Singapore Math and Engineering is Elementary while focusing on 21st Century Learning Skills throughout the day. Wauwatosa STEM uses a co-teaching approach in our multi-age classrooms. Staffing each classroom with two teachers allows for flexibility in how the students are grouped and also enables the teachers to be more adaptive to the needs of their students.

The teachers at Wauwatosa STEM are truly amazing and focused on the needs of their students. Their ongoing quest for professional development and the additional time they spend preparing activities for and understanding the needs of their students, including conducting student assessments prior to the beginning of the school year, has proven to produce excellent results.—Michael Heun, principal

Maddie Anderson

Maddie Anderson

I graduated from Carroll University with a dual license in elementary education and special education. I am passionate about inspiring all students to succeed and become lifelong learners. Teaching at WSTEM allows me to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics into the curriculum through hands-on learning experiences. I was drawn to WSTEM because the school allows students to work together, problem-solve, create, and ultimately take charge of their own learning. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family and friends, and reading.

Debbie Falk

Debbie Falk

I have been teaching in Wauwatosa since 1995 as a primary teacher and in 2013 I moved to WSTEM as a member of the kindergarten/first grade team. I received my teaching degree from the University of Minnesota and my master’s degree in writing and cultural diversity from Carroll University. I am a district teacher mentor and member of the math curriculum leadership team. Teaching at WSTEM is a rewarding experience, it fosters best practice and innovative thinking for both the staff and students. At WSTEM we are developing independent thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners. Peer teaching and curriculum coordination are at the heart of WSTEM’s team development.

Maggie Barian

Maggie Barian

I began my teaching career in 2009 in Wauwatosa. I have a degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota. I received my teaching license and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Cardinal Stritch University. My career began at Wauwatosa STEM in 2009 where our focus is on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Our school is composed of multiage classrooms where we encourage peer teaching, communication, and team work. We embrace learning through experiences and our focus is to inspire life long learners. While not at school I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and playing soccer.

Diana Mader

I have taught in the Wauwatosa School District since 1986. The majority of my career was spent teaching second grade at Wilson Elementary School.  In 2012, I joined the teaching team at Wauwatosa STEM working with the second and third grade multiage level class. My educational endeavors began at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. My educational career continued by obtaining my Master’s Degree in Integrating Technology in 2005 from Walden University. My classroom setting is one of student activity and engagement in hands on learning, self discovery, integrated units, projects, group work, and individual work to make children active learners. Working cooperatively with peers, students learn the skills of problem solving, inquiry, research, critical thinking, becoming a risk taker, and exploration while utilizing best practices and innovative learning. It is my goal to share my love of learning with students and model for them the joys of extending their learning horizons above and beyond their expectations leading them to becoming lifelong learners. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, enjoying the outdoors, bowling, walking, and supporting all the Wisconsin athletic teams.

Chris Sellers

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a major in elementary education, and a minor in early childhood education, I began my teaching career in the Milwaukee Public Schools. I made my move to the Wauwatosa School District in 2011 when I became a Wauwatosa STEM teacher in the 4/5  classroom. I truly enjoy being able to teach at WSTEM. It allows for an environment where the learning never stops, and the amount of information we have access to is endless. If you were to peek into my classroom you would find students working on a multitude of activities from setting a solid foundation in reading, mathematics, and writing, to inquiry based activities where research, problem solving, risk taking, and critical thinking are required. My goal is to create a student that leaves our building not wanting to be stagnant. I want my students to feel the need to constantly better themselves and be lifelong learners. When I am not in school, I enjoy playing outside with my son, watching movies with my wife, and coaching track and field. It would be silly if I also didn’t mention…Sundays from August until January are “Packer Day” in the Sellers home.

Lauren Johnson

Lauren Johnson

I started my teaching career in 2010 in Illinois after graduating from Illinois State University with a major in Middle Level Teacher Education. I am very excited to continue my career as a member of the WSTEM team in the 4/5 classroom. My approach to teaching is very student-centered providing opportunities for inquiry, hands-on learning, and problem solving. I enjoy finding ways to link the curriculum to real life situations and connect the learning to 21st century skills. Students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and work together as multi-age teams. This fosters a dynamic learning environment preparing students for future endeavors. Outside of the school day, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and reading.

Our Specialists

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Full-Time Specialists

  • Art
  • Library
  • Physical Education
  • Reading
  • Spanish

Part-Time Specialists

  • Band
  • English as a Second Language
  • General Music
  • Orchestra
  • School Psychologist and Social Worker assigned to the school on a regular basis
  • Special Education teacher and Speech and Language therapists to work with children who have special needs

Our Special Programs

  • Band, chorus and orchestra programs
  • Daily hot lunch
  • Field Day
  • Fifth grade camping program at Camp Whitcomb-Mason
  • Gifted and talented program
  • High Interest Day
  • Intramural athletic activites
  • Destination Imagination, K-Kids Club
  • Visiting author/illustrator program
  • Before and after school child care program available

Our Facility

  • Constructed in 1924; additions in 1930, 1955 and 1977
  • Large playground with brand new playground equipment, a soccer field, basketball courts and baseball diamonds
  • Remodeled school office in the summer of 2002