Tennessee supports a significant expansion of STEM education opportunities through the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN). The TSIN is a unique public-private collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Education and Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle) designed to promote and expand the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in K-12 public schools across the state. The Network is built on two key structural components: Six Regional STEM Innovation Hubs and six STEM Platform Schools.

The Hubs are the nucleus of regional STEM activity, representing a formal partnership among school districts, post-secondary institutions, STEM businesses, and community organizations, all committed to amplifying and accelerating the impact of STEM programs in their region.

Supported by the Hubs, the Schools will investigate and create new STEM teaching and learning models (best practices) to be shared throughout the state, all while providing their students with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century workplace. The Schools are non-selective, making the dream of a STEM career available to all students regardless of aptitude or test scores.

To learn more about the TSIN, visit their website at http://thetsin.org/

In an effort to increase students’ success in STEM education in Tennessee, the state is implementing several initiatives aimed at enhancing teachers’ content knowledge and teaching practices. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is administering a competitive grant program to provide professional development to the state’s K-12 teachers in STEM academic disciplines. STEM academic disciplines are defined as science (biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and physical science), technology, engineering, and mathematics. Professional development programs funded through this competition will be accessible statewide through the STEM Innovation Network.

To access the Request for Proposals for STEM Professional Development, please visit http://www.tn.gov/thec/Divisions/fttt/fttt.html.