Surgical Technology Educators Program - S.T.E.P.
Connecting and Communicating Professional Learning
This Professional Learning (PL) strategy is part of the STEP (Surgical Technology Educators Program) initiative and is designed to support surgical technology program directors and educators in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively lead accredited programs. Grounded in real-world application and aligned with the ARC/STSA Standards and Guidelines, this series of modules moves beyond traditional “sit and get” professional development and instead models an interactive, mentor-supported learning experience. Each module is intentionally designed to guide learners through understanding accreditation expectations while actively applying them within their own programs.
Audience and Their Needs
The primary audience for this PL strategy includes surgical technology program directors, clinical coordinators, and instructors transitioning into educational roles. Additional stakeholders include organizations such as the ARC/STSA, Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), institutional leadership, and clinical partners. These stakeholders require a structured yet flexible learning approach that supports accreditation compliance, program sustainability, and educator development. This PL experience is designed to meet those needs by providing practical tools, real-world application, and ongoing support rather than isolated training sessions.
Fostering Collaboration and Effective Modeling
Collaboration is embedded throughout this PL strategy by engaging learners in mentor-guided discussions, real-world scenarios, and shared problem-solving experiences. Effective modeling is demonstrated through the structure of the modules themselves, which reflect the same active, applied learning strategies educators are expected to implement in their own programs. Rather than simply describing best practices, this approach allows learners to experience them firsthand through guided interaction, discussion, and reflection.
Fostering Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning is a foundational element of the STEP initiative. Learners are given the opportunity to engage with content at their own pace, apply concepts within their own institutional context, and take ownership of their learning through structured activities and reflection. The inclusion of real-world assignments, such as locating program documentation and evaluating compliance, ensures that learning is authentic, meaningful, and directly applicable to their professional responsibilities.
Leadership and Facilitation
Each component of this PL strategy is supported by a network of experienced mentors who guide learners through the process. These mentors are selected based on their areas of expertise and strengths, which are identified through an application process. This allows for intentional pairing between mentors and learners, ensuring that support is relevant and meaningful. Mentors serve as facilitators, guiding discussion, providing feedback, and supporting the practical application of concepts rather than delivering traditional instruction.
Schedule and Timeline
The PL experience is structured as a series of modules delivered over time to support sustained learning and application. Rather than a single training event, this approach allows learners to engage with content, apply it within their program, and reflect on their experiences before progressing. The timeline aligns with the overall STEP framework and is designed to balance flexibility with accountability. A visual representation of the schedule is provided below to outline the progression of modules, mentor engagement, and key application milestones.
STEP Module Series: Accreditation Literacy
This module is the first in a series of Accreditation Literacy modules within the STEP (Surgical Technology Educators Program) initiative, designed to support program directors and educators in understanding and applying accreditation standards in real-world contexts. Grounded in the ARC/STSA Best Practice Guide and aligned with best practices in professional learning, this module focuses on the responsibilities of the program sponsor and the evidence required to demonstrate compliance. Rather than presenting information in a passive format, the module is intentionally designed as an interactive, application-based learning experience that requires learners to analyze their own program structures, locate documentation, and engage in mentor-supported reflection. As part of a larger, ongoing learning sequence, this module establishes the foundation for deeper exploration of accreditation processes while modeling effective professional learning through active engagement, collaboration, and real-world application.
STEP Accreditation Literacy: Module 1 Learning Outcomes
STEP Accreditation Literacy: Module 1
ARC/STSA Best Practice Guide for Surgical Techology Education
The resource below is the ARC/STSA Best Practice Guide, embedded here as a reference tool for educators and program directors. It provides the foundational standards and guidelines that inform this module and the broader Accreditation Literacy series. Learners are encouraged to use this document alongside the module to deepen their understanding of accreditation expectations and support real-world application within their programs.
Professional Learning Links
This call to action video highlights the urgent need to redesign professional learning for surgical technology educators and outlines a more effective, application-driven approach. Viewers are invited to explore how this shift can improve educator development and program outcomes.
This professional learning presentation serves as the foundation for the STEP initiative, emphasizing the need to move beyond traditional training toward a more engaging, application-driven approach for educator development.
This Professional Learning Outline provides a structured overview of the STEP initiative, detailing how the modules, mentorship, and application components work together to support educator development and accreditation readiness.
This collection of professional learning resources is designed to extend the STEP experience, offering practical tools and references that educators can use to deepen understanding and support real-world application.