OXFORD — The Mississippi STEM Education Alliance has selected 16 teachers from across the state to serve as the inaugural members of the National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program, an effort to improve science, technology, engineering and math education statewide.
One of the 16 members of this prestigious group is Reshondra Lakes, at West Tallahatchie High School in Webb.
Over the next four years, the University of Mississippi’s Center for Mathematics and Science Education will provide professional development, alternative endorsement routes and leadership training to the members, who will share what they learn with educators statewide.
“These educators were selected because they lead by example, believe deeply in the potential of every student and are committed to growing alongside their peers,” said Alice Steimle, the center director. “We believe they have the capacity to influence learning far beyond their own classrooms.”
Members will participate in professional development, collaborate with fellow educators and share instructional strategies with teachers in their home districts.
The program is designed to help teachers show their students that math is for everyone and that mathematics has real-world applications that they can use. Beyond improving their own classrooms, teachers are expected to share new strategies with colleagues across the state.
Funded by a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the Mississippi STEM Education Alliance is a statewide partnership.
The full list of National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program selectees includes:
• Franchesca Afrim, Brandon High School
• Melinda Austin, Hernando High School
• Jalisia Cook, Ridgeland High School
• Jennifer Crissey, Germantown High School
• Mihir Datta, Holmes County Central High School
• Reneice Glasper, Lewisburg High School
• De'Adriana Jackson, Natchez Early College at Copiah-Lincoln Community College
• Atoyia Jackson, Blue Mountain High School
• Jessica King, Hernando Middle School
• Reshondra Lakes, West Tallahatchie High School
• Jacqueline Lewis, Southeast High School
• Krystal Long, Hancock Middle School
• Kayla Morman, Grenada High School
• Dane Peagler, Brandon High School
• Judith Terry, Center Hill High School
• Ashton Winstead, Northwest Rankin High School
