"It's Spelled Capital S-T-E-M"

Read all about Innovation Academy's journey to Designation. To download their spotlight in an interactive pdf, click here .

Plan for an Unforgettable Solar Eclipse Adventure

It’s not binary.

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 .

We're thrilled to share a groundbreaking partnership between with Kira Learning that is set to revolutionize computer science education in the state of Tennessee. Starting with the freshman class of 2024-25, a new high school graduation requirement computer science course will be required, as outlined in Public Chapter #979 of the Public Acts of 2022. This innovative course is specifically designed for high-schoolers with no prior programming experience and will be offered at no cost to the schools! Pioneering the Future of Computer Science Education This is an incredible opportunity for schools and districts in Tennessee to lead the way in adopting this program, making it easier for both learners to meet and educators to facilitate the graduation requirement. Our goal is to empower students with essential computer science skills that will serve them well in the digital age. "Through the Kira Learning partnership, Computer Science teachers are provided with an engaging and inclusive curriculum to not only meet the computer science standards set forth by Tennessee but also to foster a project-based learning environment," explains Shelby Woods, Sevier County Junior High School Teacher. “This school year has allowed TSIN to collaborate effectively with Kira Learning, creating a high school course that aligns with standards and has a distinct TN touch. Recognizing that this course is often not in teachers' primary areas, Kira Learning has made it adaptable and supportive, whether you're new to teaching or computer science. It's an empathetic, cutting-edge solution that aligns with the law's goal of building a STEM-qualified workforce,” reports Becky Ashe, Director of Professional Learning and Innovation, TSIN. Why Choose Kira Learning? Kira Learning is at the forefront of computer science education. Their powerful, browser-based platform makes teaching and learning computer science accessible to all. Founded in 2021, Kira Learning offers a library of standards-aligned courses, along with tools to structure lesson plans, grade assignments, and provide support when students encounter challenges. "I use Kira Learning in my classroom because it provides everything I need in one place. As a teacher with minimal knowledge in detailed computer science, I enjoy that Kira Learning provides detailed lesson plans that are easy to follow. The students have enjoyed working through the modules and are able to connect real-life applications to computer science as they learn to code. Kira Learning has excellent customer service to troubleshoot my needs with a great response time, making it a great partnership for my classroom," states Chelsie Sells, Heritage High School Teacher A Commitment to Excellence TSIN and Kira Learning’s commitment to excellence extends to the support we offer educators and students. We understand that introducing a new subject like computer science into classrooms can be challenging. That's why we are providing comprehensive support to ensure your success. "It was such a privilege and joy to visit both Heritage High and Union County High School and see firsthand how teachers and students are using Kira Learning’s platform and curriculum to build a foundational understanding of computer science. I cannot overstate how impressed and inspired I was by the commitment I saw in both first-time a computer teacher and first-time learners. Introducing a new subject into schools and classrooms, particularly one as technical and demanding as computer science, takes strong community and partnership on the part of all stakeholders - teachers, students, administrators, and providers - and it was motivating to see this in such a strong display at both schools. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with TSIN and can’t wait to return later this year to keep deepening these efforts through more classroom visits, guest lectures, and group dinners with the thoughtful, generous, and kind teachers and administrators across the state of Tennessee," reflects Andrea Pasinetti, Kira Learning CEO. Get Involved! If you have questions or are interested in using this program with your high school class, please email tn@kira-learning.com . We will send you a recorded webinar for Tennessee teachers held this summer, introducing the resource, and guiding you on how to get started with an account and register your students. For those interested in the middle school course being developed, stay tuned later this fall 2023 for updates! This is a momentous step forward for computer science education in Tennessee, and we can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on students across the state. Together, we're shaping a brighter future through education and innovation.