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 certified.
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 MZHS teachers earned individual STEM certification: Roxi Barkley, Chyna Gowan, Wade Traylor, Brigette Williams and Levi Williams. 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.”
MZHS is one of the final three Carroll County Schools campuses earning their 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 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.
“Through the STEM process our teachers are transforming student learning by encouraging our 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 change lives in our school and our community.”
MZHS English Teacher Chyna Gowan, shared her discoveries as she became a STEM-certified educator.
“ELA (and the arts) benefit from meaningful STEM instruction just as much as science- and math-heavy subjects, and I've seen that firsthand this year,” Gowan said. “I've seen my kids rise to challenges and expand their views to create interesting and unique work. They have truly and genuinely leaned into critical thinking in a way that has helped them in analyzing literature but will also help them in life.”
Carroll County Schools is a leader in STEM education. All campuses are STEM certified schools by the district and 22 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.
