This week, Parkview Heights Elementary welcomed parent Karli Meisinger, who shared her experience as a mechanical engineer with second and third-grade students. Representing the National Association of Women in Construction, Ms. Meisinger's visit provided valuable insight into STEM education and career pathways, particularly highlighting opportunities for diverse representation in technical fields.

During her interactive presentation, Ms. Meisinger discussed her educational journey to earning an engineering degree and explained how continuing education and licensing exams are essential to maintaining her professional credentials. She emphasized that learning doesn't end with graduation, as engineers must constantly update their knowledge and skills to keep pace with changing technologies and safety standards.

Ms. Meisinger brought along several tools and materials used in her daily work, allowing students to see and touch real engineering equipment. This hands-on approach helped make abstract concepts more concrete for the young learners. She also shared examples of projects she has worked on, demonstrating how engineers solve real-world problems through creative thinking and technical expertise.

The students engaged enthusiastically with the presentation, asking thoughtful questions about when she began her career and what tools she prefers to use in her profession. Several students expressed interest in possibly pursuing engineering careers after learning about the variety of projects and challenges engineers tackle.

The visit aligns with PLCS's ongoing efforts to expose students to diverse career possibilities from an early age and to strengthen connections between classroom learning and real-world applications. By introducing students to STEM professionals like Ms. Meisinger, the district continues to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.