| Bowdon Middle School has been named a National STEM Certified Campus by the National Institute for STEM Education making a total of 16 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 nationally STEM certified. NISE offers STEM Teaching Certification and supports educators in their efforts to create STEM-based instruction. Five BMS teachers earned individual STEM certification: Holly Bearden, Jennifer Bearden, Missy Busby, Michelle Frazier and Cynthia Videtto. 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.” BMS is one of three Carroll County Schools campuses earning its NISE certification this week. 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. “Bowdon Middle School is so excited to be recognized as a National STEM Campus,” BMS Principal Stephanie Godfrey said. “We are thankful that our district invests in us and has provided this amazing opportunity to engage in professional learning for best practices with our teachers.” BMS is also district STEM certified, under a process only a handful of school systems in Georgia utilize. “We know our students benefit from the hard work and commitment of our teachers to this process and ultimately to positively change lives,” Godfrey said. “NISE certification is a significant milestone for our school and community.” Carroll County Schools is a leader in STEM education. All campuses are STEM certified schools by the district and 16 schools are nationally STEM certified by NISE. Carroll County School System is one of only three districts in Georgia to have a District STEM certification process and the only system in the state with a STEAM certification process. |
