Building the Infrastructure for STEM Learning: A Closer Look at Jack Anderson Elementary STEM School 

Tressa, when you became Principal of Jack Anderson Elementary, what steps did you take to strengthen the school’s focus on STEM?

Tressa Sanders: There was a great foundation for STEM, and it was evident how much the students gained from the existing program. However, we wanted the overall focus of STEM in our building to be more intentional, and we found opportunities to engage students with more meaningful content connections. For example, instead of the entire school participating in the same task on Fridays, grade levels developed challenges that mirrored standards. The challenges were often part of a greater unit of study or PBL. It was important to me that JAE wasn’t just a “Friday STEM School.” I wanted STEM to be a part of EVERY day for our students.

Erin, you have taken steps to ensure the school facilities supports a strong STEM learning environment What impact have these facilities had on fostering a culture of STEM learning and habit development?

Erin Thurston: We are extremely blessed to have so many wonderful STEM areas and resources at Jack Anderson Elementary. Two of my personal favorites are the STEM lab and our STEM Exhibition Hallway.

The STEM lab is set up for students to work in small collaborative groups. It encourages students to use their creativity and critical thinking skills to solve problems as a team. The lab is a safe space where everyone's ideas are valued! My favorite part of each lab is to see the students sharing their ideas with their teammates.

There is a sense of pride that is indescribable when walking through our STEM Exhibition Hallway. The shelves are lined with projects from all grade groups. I love to hear students point out their group's project to their peers. The students feel such a sense of pride. I have also noticed that these displays build excitement with our younger students who look forward to their time in the lab.

In your role as STEM coordinator, how do you collaboratively plan with other educators to ensure alignment of STEM lab activities to other coursework?

ET: As the STEM coordinator, I sit down with each grade group before the beginning of each school year to plot out what standards can be highlighted in the STEM lab. As the year progresses things might need to be fine tuned or tweaked to stay in tune with their scope of work. I do this by meeting with the grade group STEM leadership representative. I also have a very close connection with the Related Arts department. We bounce ideas off of each other and often the result ends up helping my labs be more STEAM orientated and their arts more STEM related!

Principal Sanders, you lead a team of educators that are highly bought into the STEM mission. How did you build buy-in from existing educators and acclimate new educators to the mission?

TS: I asked for ideas, I asked for feedback, and I listened. Small changes were made, and teachers felt valued and trusted. We continue to look for ways to make improvements to our program, and we depend on everyone to either research, support or lead. Ownership and buy-in are byproducts of the process.

When we interview potential candidates, the team not only shares the mission of our STEM program, they also share expectations we have for each other. It is clear during initial interview conversations that the staff at JAE is committed to the integrity of quality STEM integration. When we find the right fit, the grade level team immediately begins to welcome and spend time with the new teammate.

I compile a “Staff Stuff” binder for each new staff member that includes important information like JAE from A to Z, JAE STEM Overview and frequently asked questions. Our administrative and leadership teams are always available to assist and support. The faculty and staff genuinely care about each other, we have fun, and we laugh a lot.

Tressa and Erin can be found on social media @TressaSandersand @ThurstonSTEMor follow along with Jack Anderson Elementary updates @JAE_STEM. Stay tuned for more blogs highlighting other STEM Designated schools!