Five Mount Zion Middle School teachers earned individual STEM certification as part of the school’s National STEM certification process: Courtney Brock, Eric Fussell, Holly Maddox, Sharon Morgan and Andrea Teal. Joining them are MZMS Assistant Principal Tewanna Brown, Director of Professional Learning, Assessment and Accountability Cheryl Clark, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Matt Huckeba, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Jennifer Shirley, Superintendent Scott Cowart, School Board Member Tom Sizemore, MZMS Principal David Rooks and Associate Superintendent of School Performance Dr. Jessica Ainsworth
Mount Zion Middle School has been named a National STEM Certified Campus by the National Institute for STEM Education making a total of 20 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. Five MZMS teachers earned individual STEM certification: Courtney Brock, Eric Fussell, Holly Maddox, Sharon Morgan and Andrea Teal. 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.”
MZMS is one of three Carroll County Schools campuses earning 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.
“Through the certification process, our teachers have grown in their capacity to create innovative educational environments that provide real-world, inquiry-based learning opportunities for our students,” MZMS Principal David Rooks. “Our desire is for every eagle to leave Mt. Zion Middle School with the necessary tools and confidence to successfully navigate whatever challenges they may face in the future, and we believe that providing quality STEM instruction provides the foundation for that to happen.”
