Sharp Creek Elementary School has been named a National STEM Certified Campus by the National Institute for STEM Education, making a total of 21 Carroll County School System 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 SCES teachers earned individual STEM certification: Matthew Adams, Anna Ellis, Bry Leatherwood, Terri Ragsdale and Miranda Shadix. 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. “And this year we will achieve 100 percent national STEM certification for our schools. We emphasize future-focused thinking and skills, 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.”
SCES is one of the final three Carroll County Schools campuses earning their 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.
“STEM education transforms traditional learning into active discovery by empowering students to problem-solve real-world challenges,” SCES Principal Robert Tolbert said.
SCES teacher Miranda Shadix shared her discoveries as she became a STEM-certified educator.
“At the heart of STEM education is the belief that every student deserves meaningful, engaging learning experiences, and every teacher has the power to create them. It’s not about perfection, but about growth,” she said. “Each question we ask, each opportunity we give students to think, collaborate and reflect, moves them closer to deeper understanding.”
Carroll County Schools is a leader in STEM education. All campuses are STEM-certified schools by the district, and 21 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.
