Investing in Rural STEM Education Across Tennessee

• Deepen understanding of STEM educational issues and exercise educator voice and perspective to bring positive change within rural communities

• Identify assets within rural communities that can support high quality STEM education and work-based learning

• Expand educator sphere of influence within their school, district, and region

• Develop targeted solutions that build upon assets and address current challenges within rural communities

Cohort members interact with professional learning communities (PLCs) that concentrate on a specific area of focus: Community & Postsecondary Partnerships, STEM Integrated Curriculum & Instruction, and Family Engagement. For each area of focus, participants engage in targeted professional development and meet experts in the field. You can learn more about the program and read teacher impact stories here. 

“One of my favorite parts of our role is managing the TRSC program,“ says Brandi Stroecker, Director of TSIN. “Investing in rural education is a top priority for the network and for me personally as a first-generation college student that grew up in rural poverty. The work educators engage in through this professional development model boosts access and opportunity to STEM learning experiences. Each year, this program serves dozens of underserved rural counties across the state.”  

The TRSC is open to K-12 Tennessee public school teachers, of any subject, who are interested in learning more about STEM educational issues and developing solutions to those issues specific to their students and communities. Educators receive a $600 stipend for participating and an additional $300 towards classroom implementation funds. Applications for the 2021-2022 cohort of the Tennessee Rural STEM Collaborative are open - apply here.  

This TRSC Spotlight report explores the journey of amazing teachers and communities at the center of it all.