Mount Zion High School has been named a National STEM Certified Campus by the National Institute for STEM Education, completing a multi-year plan for all Carroll County Schools to become STEM certified.
NISE-certified STEM campuses implement 21st-century learning 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 MZHS teachers earned individual STEM certification: Roxi Barkley, Chyna Gowan, Wade Traylor, Brigette Williams, and Levi Williams. Upon completing the required 38 indicators, participants are better equipped to challenge students academically and 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. “This year we will achieve 100 percent national STEM certification for our schools. We emphasize future-focused thinking and skills because STEM concepts help students become goal-oriented and develop a growth mindset. These practices create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”
MZHS is one of the final three Carroll County Schools campuses earning NISE certification this spring. All 23 traditional K-12 schools in the Carroll County School System are now nationally STEM certified, making the district the largest in the nation with 100 percent STEM certification.
“We continue to invest in STEM learning because we know it makes a difference in student achievement and prepares students 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 play a powerful role in preparing them for the future.”
The National Institute for STEM Education certification process, which evolved from professional development and curriculum created at Rice University, integrates the latest research and best practices in STEM and 21st-century learning. Through a self-paced, mentor-led approach, NISE certifies teachers, campuses, and districts in STEM instruction.
“Through the STEM process, our teachers are transforming student learning by encouraging students to think critically and become problem solvers,” MZHS Principal Connie Cook said. “This will equip them to face challenges as they transition to being enrolled, employed, or enlisted after high school. Providing STEM opportunities in the classroom is helping us positively impact lives in our school and community.”
MZHS English teacher Chyna Gowan also shared her experience as a STEM-certified educator.
“ELA and the arts benefit from meaningful STEM instruction just as much as science- and math-focused subjects, and I’ve seen that firsthand this year,” Gowan said. “I’ve seen my students rise to challenges and expand their thinking to create unique work. They have truly embraced critical thinking in a way that helps them analyze literature and will benefit them in life.”
Carroll County Schools is a leader in STEM education. All campuses are nationally STEM certified by NISE, making Carroll County the largest district in the nation with 100 percent STEM certification.
