Mount Zion Elementary School has been named a National STEM Certified Campus by the National Institute for STEM Education making a total of 18 Carroll County Schools campuses with the distinction.
NISE-certified STEM campuses have implemented 21st-century learning and strategies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics that transform school culture and maximize student achievement. Only 2 percent of schools in the nation are STEM certified by NISE.
NISE offers STEM Teaching Certification and supports educators in their efforts to create STEM-based instruction. Seven MZES teachers earned individual STEM certification: Chastity Benefield, Nina Boyd, Samantha Camp, Emily Edmondson, Kristen Herringdine, Alyson Monroe and Jessica Patterson. Upon completion of the required 38 indicators, participants are better equipped to not only academically challenge students but also prepare them for college and career readiness.
“STEM has been a priority for us in Carroll County since 2018,” Carroll County Schools Superintendent Scott Cowart said. “We emphasize future-focused thinking and skills at all of our schools, because we know STEM concepts are a great way to teach students to be goal oriented and have a growth mindset. STEM practices are a strong foundation to create lifelong learners.”
MZES is one of three Carroll County Schools campuses earning its NISE certification this spring.
“We continue to invest in STEM learning because we know it makes a difference in student learning and prepares them for the workforce of tomorrow,” Associate Superintendent of School Performance Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said. “Our mission is for students to graduate ready to be enrolled, enlisted or employed, and STEM concepts make a powerful impact in preparing them for the future.”
Evolving from STEM professional development and curriculum created at Rice University, the National Institute for STEM Education certification process integrates the most recent research and best practices in STEM, 21st-century learning, and professional development. By using a self-paced, mentor-led approach, NISE certifies teachers, campuses, and districts in STEM teaching.
“By aligning the instruction in the classroom with the STEM expectations, the teachers have transformed the learning for our students by encouraging them to think critically and problem solve on their own,” MZES Principal Melissa Dearman said, “and these skills are as important for our students to learn as the content that is being taught to them.”
Carroll County Schools is a leader in STEM education. All campuses are STEM certified schools by the district and 18 schools are nationally STEM certified by NISE. Carroll County School System is one of a handful of school districts in Georgia to utilize a district STEM certification process.
