Nashville, TN – Today, the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) announced 13 new schools have received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation for 2024. This honor recognizes schools across the state for preparing students for postsecondary and future career success by committing to promote STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning for all students. Since the designation process launched in 2018, 127 schools have earned the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation, which provides a roadmap for schools to successfully implement a STEM/STEAM education plan at the local level. “These designations are testaments to the state’s commitment to educational excellence and preparing students for their futures,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “We commend these schools for prioritizing math and science education, ensuring that Tennessee students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.” Each school that received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM School Designation underwent a rigorous application process, including completion of a self-evaluation, participation in interviews, and hosting site visits. Schools could either apply for a STEM or STEAM Designation through the designation rubric, which includes five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships. "Schools that earn STEM Designation incorporate strong STEM teaching and learning experiences that rest on inquiry, technology integration, work-based learning, and project/problem-based learning strategies tied to the world around us,” said Brandi Stroecker, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network Director. “Each school has a unique STEM program yet incorporates a similar approach by providing cross-curricular teaching practices where students apply the concepts they are learning. The network appreciates these schools as they are providing students with learning experiences that shape their aspirations for the future.” For the 2023-24 school year, a total 13 new schools received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation:
Read all about Northview Primary's journey to Designation. To download their spotlight in an interactive pdf, click here .
Read all about Innovation Academy's journey to Designation. To download their spotlight in an interactive pdf, click here .
Thank you to our guest blog writers, Jack Anderson Elementary School.
In 2023, our partners helped us transform K-12 STEM education in collaboration with communities across the state! Here are a few highlights in our wrap-up video, plus these stand-out stats: 🌐 70,000+ visits to our website 👩🏫 370+ hours of free professional development for educators 🏫 30 hours of student-facing programs 📖 Free Computer Science Integration guides for K-12 educators
We are pleased to announce the winners of the first Excellence in Computer Science Award. As we continue to expand computer science education in Tennessee, we want to celebrate the teachers, leaders, and advocates who are supporting and championing the movement. This is a competitive award, like the STEM Excellence Awards awarded in the spring at the Innovation Summit, and people can nominate others or themselves for the award. Nominations were open to the public in the fall of this year. We presented these awards on December 6, 2023, at the second annual Computer Science Momentum Expedition - an innovation tradeshow that bridges the gap between educators and industry. “This year’s award winners are models in advancing computer science education for all through creative instruction, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for teaching. They demonstrate the innovative ways computer science can be integrated into all grade levels,” remarks Brandi Stroecker, TSIN Network Director. “We are privileged to recognize the efforts of these amazing individuals and the contributions they have made in their communities. “ Excellence in Computer Science Award The Excellence in Computer Science Award recognizes an educator, leader, or advocate who exemplifies integrated, computer science-infused teaching strategies and innovation that leads to positive student learning outcomes. This year’s awardees of the Excellence in Computer Science Awards are: Shelby Woods Computer Science Teacher, Sevier County Junior High, Sevier County Schools Shelby Woods teaches 7th and 8th grade Computer Science at the new Sevier County Junior High in Sevier County Schools, where she is passionate about providing students authentic opportunities to explore challenges, design solutions, and engage in scientific approaches to real-world problems that are relevant and practical. Outside her classroom duties, Ms. Woods co-sponsors the Junior High level of the Technology Student Association. Shelby provides problem-based and STEM-based learning that expands and integrates computer science. In her classroom, computer science is the tool students use to gain greater insight into other subjects while sparking curiosity. Shelby has dedicated herself to furthering computer science education not just for her students, but for the entire state of Tennessee by serving on the Computer Science Standards Committee. All of this has fueled her passion as she participated in a multitude of trainings, including Reach Them All, and the creation of an exemplary computer science curriculum that demonstrates the endless opportunities computer science can offer our students and their future career pathways. She brings computer science to life for her students and brings new opportunities to her community. While the competitive nature of this award produced many nominations, Shelby was the most nominated person in the state with 5 individual nominations. Shelby Woods is making an impact that others see, feel, and appreciate in school, community, and computer science education. Dr. Teresa Wise Computer Technology Teacher, Thurman Francis Arts Academy, Rutherford County Schools Dr. Teresa Wise is a K-8 Computer Technology Teacher at Thurman Francis Arts Academy in Rutherford County where she is known for her engaging and innovative teaching. This is best expressed by the person who nominated her. “Dr. Wise was the first elementary teacher to pilot computer science lessons in her classroom, immediately following a computer science training in Nashville! She is continuously developing new and engaging lessons for her students to help them better understand concepts across multiple subject areas. Dr. Wise has even created a S’mores page with helpful teacher, parent, and student resources,” shares Vickie Stem, K-5 Science and Social Studies Specialist with Rutherford County Schools. Teresa’s expertise and creativity have blended to make her an impactful model for other elementary teachers, and she is never afraid to share with others. Dr. Wise regularly presents on computer science integration for other educators where she shares and infuses others with her passion for computer science. She has also lent her skills to the creation of computer science model lessons, computer science planning teams, and the Reach Them All program. It is evident that she holds the spirit of a true collaborator. She is also intentional in her planning, preparing her students for careers that do not exist yet. Teresa Wise is an innovator in the classroom as evidenced by student engagement and work, all while being an innovator for her county.
Tennessee’s STEM and STE(A)M Designated Schools, pioneers in STEM education, are thrilled to announce the launch of a compelling video story series that delves into the profound impact of STEM education on students, teachers, and the community. This engaging series features real-life stories, highlighting the transformative journey of students within STEM programs who have earned STEM or STE(A)M School Designation. Each video showcases the commitment of schools to fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, equipping students with the competencies needed for future success. What Viewers Can Expect: Teacher Perspective Video : inspirational narratives of teachers and students excelling in STEM subjects. Stakeholder Perspective Video : insights from dedicated educational leaders shaping the future of STEM education. STEM Overview Video : Behind-the-scenes glimpses into innovative projects and learning spaces. The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN), a public-private partnership between Battelle and the Tennessee Department of Education, believes in the power of STEM education to unlock doors to creativity, critical thinking, and technological advancement. This video series aims to shed light on the profound impact STEM education has on shaping young minds and preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow. Why Invest in STEM Schools? Workforce Development: STEM skills are essential for the jobs of tomorrow. Investing in STEM education ensures that the state is actively preparing its future workforce to thrive in a technology-driven world. Economic Growth: A strong emphasis on STEM education cultivates innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to economic growth and positioning Tennessee as a hub for technological advancement. Global Competitiveness: By investing in STEM schools, Tennessee aims to enhance its global competitiveness by nurturing a generation of STEM-literate individuals who can solve complex global challenges. Join the Conversation: Follow TSIN on @theTSIN for updates. Use #TNSTEM and #ChangeMakers to share your thoughts and stories about STEM education. For more information on Tennessee STEM School Designation, visit https://www.tnstemdesignation.org .
Read all about Isaac Litton Middle School's journey to Designation. To download their spotlight in an interactive pdf, click here .
