Marsha Francis
Executive Director
STE(A)M Truck
Decatur, GA USA
“No move is the wrong move. It's not always as high-stakes as we make it seem.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationMarsha Francis
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up in a very service-oriented family.
I was initially majoring in pre-law English because I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but I switched my major to education during my freshman year of college.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in child development along with a preschool-fifth grade teaching certification from Spelman College.
I went on to earn a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Central Michigan University while also working as an elementary school teacher.
I taught elementary school for Atlanta Public Schools for five years before deciding to pursue a Ph.D.
During my doctoral program, I got the opportunity to work at Spelman College teaching a math and science methods course to future teachers.
While teaching, I was introduced to STE(A)M Truck, which epitomized the type of hands-on project based learning I had been teaching about—I decided to take on a part-time role with STE(A)M Truck.
I worked part-time with STE(A)M Truck for about a year and a half, came back as a sort of thought partner, and then was named executive director in 2021.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Certification/License
P-5 Teaching Certification
Spelman College
P-5 Teaching Certification
Spelman College
Doctorate
Educational Theory and Practice
University of Georgia
Educational Theory and Practice
University of Georgia
Career
Executive Director
I lead an educational nonprofit with a fleet of mobile innovation labs designed to engage kids with STEAM.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Science
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
The day may start with a breakfast meeting with a school or community partner to discuss new programming or teacher support. If we're working with students or teachers, I'd go to the school to see the staff in action. Next, I'd go to our headquarters to check out the vehicles and materials. I'd meet with our Marketing and Development team to plan how we'll share STE(A)M Truck stories and connect with funders. I may also attend a city event to represent STE(A)M Truck and share about our programs.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I regret making this move. I can't show up fully here."
Interviewed By
Changemakers
Meet the people building a better future
