TSIN Announces 2024-25 TN Rural STEM Collaborative

The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN), a public/private partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and Battelle Education, is proud to announce the launch of the 2024-25 TN Rural STEM Collaborative, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping educators in rural communities with the resources, training, and support needed to revolutionize STEM education across Tennessee's rural regions.

This year’s collaborative brings together a dynamic group of dedicated teachers from rural schools across the state, all committed to driving change in their classrooms and communities. Through this year-long program, participants will engage in professional development opportunities designed to enhance their teaching practices, introduce cutting-edge STEM strategies, and create a culture of inquiry and exploration for students who may have limited access to STEM resources.

Transforming Teacher Practice and Student Outcomes

The TN Rural STEM Collaborative has already made significant strides in empowering educators to implement effective STEM practices in their classrooms. Previous participants have reported increased student engagement in STEM subjects, the successful integration of new technologies and methodologies, and the development of strong partnerships with local businesses and industries. The 2024-25 cohort is set to build on this success, bringing transformative STEM learning experiences to even more students in rural Tennessee.

Goals and Aspirations for the 2024-25 Collaborative

As we welcome this year’s participants, our goals are clear: 

• to empower rural educators to lead with confidence
• to bring innovative STEM learning experiences to underserved areas
• and to create lasting change in teacher practice that will benefit students for years to come

We are confident that this cohort will inspire a new generation of students to explore STEM careers, foster a love of learning, and contribute to the vitality of their communities. This year’s collaborative is restructured to better accommodate rural educators across TN. Separating the cohort into three regional cohorts to map the STEM resources unique to the educational landscapes of West, Middle, and East Tennessee.

The 2024-25 TN Rural STEM Collaborative marks a pivotal step in our mission to ensure that all students in Tennessee, regardless of where they live, have the opportunity to thrive in a STEM-rich environment. We are excited to see the impact this group of educators will have as they bring STEM learning to life in rural classrooms across the state.

The support of the Tennessee Department of Education makes this work possible. Their dedication to advancing education in rural communities is helping to ensure that every student, regardless of geography, has access to high-quality STEM education. Together, we are bridging the gap and opening doors to new opportunities for students across the state.

For more information about the Tennessee Rural STEM Collaborative or TSIN’s initiatives, please contact:

Kristin McQueen 

STEM Relationship Manager, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network 

Email: mcqueenk@battelle.org