The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) recently announced the schools that received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM School Designation for 2022, including four schools in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS).

The honor recognizes schools for preparing students for postsecondary and future career success by promoting STEM and/or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning for their students. Schools that receive this honor also serve as models to inspire and teach others.  All K–12 schools serving students in Tennessee are eligible to apply for this designation.

Each school that received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM School Designation underwent a rigorous application process, including completing a self-evaluation, participating in interviews, and hosting site visits with the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation review team. The designation rubric included five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships. As a part of the process, schools were also required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM and/or STEAM education for the next five years.

MSCS STEM Designations

• Barret's Chapel School
• Bolton High School
• Memphis School of Excellence Mendenhall (charter)
• Parkway Village Elementary School

About STEM/STEAM

STEM/STEAM education is an interdisciplinary curriculum in which activities in one class complement those in other classes. It also offers teaching and learning opportunities focused on inquiry, technology, and project-based learning activities and lessons connected to the real world.