A group of 24 STEM Teaching fellows from five counties across Tennessee, gathered for their monthly training session on Tuesday, and received a big surprise—each teacher was given a Kindle Fire device from Amazon to help aid with instruction in the classroom.
These STEM Teaching Fellows are a cohort of educators from around the region participating in a year-long training program focused on expanding science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) instruction. The staff at the STEM Innovation Hub works closely with these teachers both in periodic group sessions and at their home schools. “This program aims to increase students’ interest and achievement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by giving educators new skills and resources to use in their classrooms,” said Keri Randolph, director of Learning at the STEM Innovation Hub. “We want to see teachers consistently using technology and hands-on learning to show students how the concepts they learn in the classroom translate to the real world.”
STEM Innovation Hub leaders acknowledge the importance of these business and community partnerships in education. “The support of Amazon and other committed community partners is a driving force in our region’s STEM initiative,” said Tracey Carisch, managing director of the STEM Innovation Hub. “They provide resources and financial supports, as well as a look at the career opportunities awaiting our students in the future.”
Throughout the coming year, the STEM Teaching Fellows will learn from industry professionals and partner with local organizations as they bring new STEM resources into their schools. “This program helps connect our teachers to the STEM workforce our students will one day be a part of,” said Rick Smith, superintendent of Hamilton County Department of Education. STEM Teaching Fellows is one the programs organized by the new Southeast Tennessee STEM Innovation Hub, a regional support center for STEM partnerships, resources and educator training housed within PEF.
To learn more about the Southeast Tennessee STEM Innovation Hub visit www.setenneesseestem.org.
Shown, from left to right, are Barbara Brown, Marion County HS, and Gabby Tallent Cleveland City HS