The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN), a public-private partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and Battelle Education, recently resumed an initiative this school year to equip educators in rural communities with resources and training to “revolutionize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.”¶
According to a recent announcement, the 2024-25 TN Rural STEM Collaborative will bring together teachers from rural schools across the state for professional development opportunities to enhance their STEM teaching practices. The announcement added that the program will introduce cutting-edge STEM teaching strategies and “create a culture of inquiry and exploration for students who may have limited access to STEM resources.”¶
This school year’s cohort includes educators from rural county districts across the state, including Washington County, Hawkins County, Sevier County, Cumberland County, and Tipton County, among several others. Three educators from Carter County also joined the cohort over the summer, according to a recent report from the Elizabethton Star.¶
The announcement noted that the TN Rural STEM Collaborative has “made significant strides in empowering educators to implement effective STEM practices in their classrooms.” It added that participants in previous years have reported increased student engagement in STEM subjects, successful integration of new instructional technologies, and the development of partnerships with local businesses.¶
“The 2024-25 cohort is set to build on this success, bringing transformative STEM learning experiences to even more students in rural Tennessee,” the announcement read. “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.”¶
According to the announcement, the 2024-25 TN Rural STEM Collaborative marks a pivotal step in the state’s mission to enhance STEM instruction in K-12 schools.¶
“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 announcement read. “The support of the Tennessee Department of Education makes this work possible … Together, we are bridging the gap and opening doors to new opportunities for students across the state.”¶
