08/06/2025
Middlesboro Middle School Earns National Certificate for STEM Excellence Middlesboro
Middle School has worked to earn the National Certificate for STEM Excellence (NCSE) - Campus Certification from the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE). NCSE recognizes individual school campuses for their commitment to and systematic support of teachers' understanding and use of high-impact, evidence-based STEM instructional strategies. Each campus certification is a year-long process. The middle school's certification journey was led by the school's Assistant Principal and STEM Coordinator, Aaron Sowders, with support from the district's Educational Mentor, Judy Grandey, as well as a school body of committed and dedicated educators and staff. The Middle School is the first of three district schools to complete the NISE STEM Campus Certification. Middlesboro's Elementary and High Schools are on track to complete their National STEM certifications by August, 2027.
As part of earning the NCSE - Campus Certification, seven dedicated educators also achieved the National Certificate for STEM Teaching (NCST), further strengthening the school's collective expertise in STEM education. These certified teachers represent a wide range of disciplines, highlighting the school's commitment to interdisciplinary STEM instruction: Amanda Estes, Science, Tyler Yoakum, English Language Arts, Julia Griffith, Social Studies, Emily Rogers, Special Education, Emily Bradshaw, Social Studies, Alex Pratt, Science and Travis Butler, Math.
The NCSE program provides a research-based support system for campuses and teachers seeking to strengthen STEM instruction and outcomes. NISE is a research-based support system for campuses and teachers seeking to strengthen STEM instruction and outcomes. Based on 15 STEM Teacher Actions that evolved from STEM professional development Teacher Certificates help school leaders and teachers understand and apply research and best practices in STEM, 21st-century learning, and professional development.
In conjunction with Middlesboro Middle School becoming Nationally STEM certified, Middlesboro Middle School and the Middlesboro Independent School System is proud to announce that a STEM Lab is being constructed in the Central Arts Building as part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Program. The Verizon Innovative Learning Lab program is a multi-year initiative that combines immersive cutting-edge technology with an innovative project-based curriculum and real-world problem-solving in a custom-designed Lab. This Project is led by three core entities: Verizon, Arizona State University, through J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute and Heart of America.
"As a district committed to innovation and academic excellence, we are honored to have achieved the NISE certification. This recognition affirms our dedication to high-quality STEM instruction and equips our educators with proven strategies, practical tools, and a strong collaborative framework. Most importantly, it directly benefits our students by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills that prepare them for future success in both college and career pathways. We are deeply grateful for the early support and partnership provided by John Shoffner and the Perseid Foundation in launching our STEM Certification program. Mr. Shoffner played a pivotal role in establishing district-wide connections with institutions such as MIT and Texas A&M.
- Bill Jones, Superintendent
"Earning the NISE certification is a powerful affirmation of the work our educators put in every day to deliver meaningful STEM instruction. It reflects our commitment to creating a school culture where students are challenged to think critically, solve problems, and engage with real-world applications. This achievement strengthens our ability to prepare students not just for tests, but for life beyond the classroom."
- Erica Arnette, Principal
"Achieving NISE certification marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide exceptional STEM education. It highlights the dedication of our teachers and the strength of our instructional practices. More importantly, it enhances our capacity to create dynamic, inquiry-based learning environments that inspire students, foster innovation, and ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges of the future."
- Aaron Sowders, Assistant Principal and STEM Coordinator
Middlesboro Independent Schools
