There is a limited amount of research that examines the prerequisite skills, beliefs, knowledge bases, and experiences
necessary for teachers to implement integrated instruction (Fykholm & Glasson, 2005). For integrated Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, since it is relatively new, this statement rings even more true. The
importance of focusing on what teachers need to effectively teach STEM education was noted by the National Science
Board (NSB) in the document A National Action Plan for Addressing the Critical Needs of the U.S. Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics Education System. The NSB in this document state that well-qualified and highly effective
teachers should teach STEM classes. They call for more national attention on attracting, preparing, and retaining qualified
and committed teaching candidates (NSB, 2007). The best way in which to attract, prepare, and retain qualified teachers
remains to be answered.