BLOOMINGDALE — Jefferson County Joint Vocational School educators are looking to expand student knowledge by taking part in a virtual STEAM leadership cadre during the next school year.

Shawna Myers, Becky Kelley, Erin Freed and Allison Boyd will take part in a program through Making Schools Work of Northeast Ohio that focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, or STEAM. The educators will spend five days and two evenings throughout the 2023-24 school year participating in in-person and virtual activities set at various locations including the Wilds near Zanesville, Bridgestone Americas Technology Center in Akron, Walsh University in North Canton and Step2 Company LLC of Streetsboro. Myers said it was the first time the JVS has joined and the experience will greatly enhance what they teach in the classroom.

“Making Schools work provides this experience for educators to learn ways to enhance student learning by supporting and building a culture of STEM and learning how to grow STEAM partnerships,” Myers said.

She continued that participants learn from STEAM experts from higher education institutions, professional organizations and businesses and ultimately share that knowledge with students to enrich their education through STEAM networks and opportunities. The sessions are being offered by Missi Zender-Sakach, a STEAM consultant for Making Schools Work NEO. Myers explained that the JVS is an MSW district and receives assistance, educational opportunities and information to improve student and school success. Leaders applied to participate in the event because they wanted to learn new and improved ways to successfully prepare students for the future.

She added that also fosters project-based learning in the school.

“We look forward to learning new ways to incorporate project-based learning and STEAM culture in our building, which will have a positive impact for our students. We really appreciate this opportunity provided by our district and MSW,” Myers said.

“We will learn new ways to provide real-world learning experiences for students to improve their ability to become problem-solvers, researchers and critical and creative thinkers. Continuous improvement regarding the design, integration and promotion of the rigorous, problem-based, 21st century curriculum necessitates a strategic plan dedicated to meaningful professional learning where educators have opportunities to collaborate.”