Southwest Dubois Activates STEM Fellowship

A group of Southwest Dubois teachers is turning real-world experiences into classroom innovation. 

Four Southwest Dubois educators recently spent the year diving into a hands-on professional learning experience through the STEM Fellowship, led by Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI). Nick Herron, Taylor Duckworth, Amanda Thompson, and Stacey Metz made up the second cohort of Southwest Dubois teachers to participate in the program. The Fellowship challenges elementary and middle school teachers to rethink how STEM shows up in their classrooms while growing their leadership along the way. 

From the start, participants stepped outside the classroom. They explored local industries, spoke directly with professionals about workforce expectations, and experimented with real- world applications like robotics and manufacturing simulations. Tours through colleges and companies in the region helped connect classroom learning to actual career pathways. 

At the end of the year-long Fellowship, teachers turned those experiences into classroom-ready ideas. They shared their work in a public showcase, offering a glimpse into how STEM learning can become more interactive and meaningful for students. Students were given a unique challenge by the head of HR from Holiday World & Splashin' Safari: design a water slide, using feedback and hands-on building to shape their ideas. Mr. Herron, from Southridge Middle School, brought that vision to life with his theme park-inspired engineering lab. The project pushed them to think creatively, test solutions, and build with purpose. 

Experiences like these highlight what is possible when educators are given the time, support, and freedom to try something new. In turn, those teachers facilitate hands-on learning that allows students to engage with their subject in more meaningful ways. Initiatives like the STEM Fellowship are driving an educational shift across Southwest Dubois and the Indiana Uplands, transforming how students encounter STEM learning. Educators are bringing fresh energy into their classrooms, creating transformative experiences that prepare students for what lies ahead. 
 
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.witzamfm.com/news 

 - Drew Hasselbring