Tennessee STEM Innovation Network

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Tennessee STEM Innovation Network

TSIN's goal is to promote & expand the teaching & learning of STEM education in K-12 public schools. What is STEM?
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Established by an Executive Order of the Governor, the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (the TSIN or Network) is a unique public-private collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle) designed to promote and expand the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in K-12 public schools ac

ross Tennessee. Battelle was chosen as the managing partner because of their success creating the Ohio STEM Learning Network in their home state, an effort that inspired the creation of the TSIN. The TSIN is funded through Race to the Top and serves as the state's primary vehicle for aligning and coordinating STEM education policies, practices, and partners. Tennessee is rich in STEM resources, from heavy industry and agriculture to a robust automotive sector, deep healthcare experience, logistics genius, music entrepreneurship, and internationally recognized research institutions. The goal of the TSIN is to leverage these resources – the knowledge, skill, and acumen of Tennessee's K-12, Higher Education, Business, and Community partners – to amplify opportunities for all students. The heart of the TSIN is a community of committed educators and partners, but the Network itself is built on two key structural components: Ten STEM Platform Schools and Six Regional STEM Innovation Hubs. STEM Platform Schools
The Schools are non-selective – the student body is composed of students who express an interest in attending are are chosen by lottery – and are designed to encourage local educational innovation. 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. Regional STEM Innovation Hubs
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. STEM education is an area of study but it is also a way of teaching and learning that is project-based, collaborative, and focused on solving real-world problems. STEM programs educate the whole student, emphasizing innovation, problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. STEM for All
Experts predict that Tennessee will add over 10,000 exciting (and well-paying) STEM jobs to the state's economy in the next 5-10 years. Tennessee needs qualified workers to fill these roles, but STEM education is about more than just workforce development. It is also about inspiring the next generation of leaders to help solidify Tennessee's future as a leader in the global STEM marketplace. When fully realized, the TSIN will have an impact on students across the entire state. Whether urban or rural, experienced or inexperienced, every child deserves to have access to a quality STEM education. Get Involved
The TSIN needs business and community partners to connect with the Hubs and Schools in their regions to help create STEM opportunities for Tennessee students. The TSIN needs everyone to help spread the word about STEM education and what Tennessee is doing to build a better future for the entire state.

06/03/2026

What if workforce readiness starts long before job training?

This article makes an important point: the future talent pipeline begins in K–12 classrooms, where students build the problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills that prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.

That’s why investing in educators and high-quality STEM learning experiences matters!: https://www.fastcompany.com/91541021/the-5-5-trillion-talent-crisis-starts-in-kindergarten

06/01/2026

What does college and career readiness look like in today’s evolving workforce?

This playbook from K-12 Dive explores how personalized learning can help schools better prepare students with the skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world.

An interesting read for educators thinking about student readiness, workforce pathways, and the future of learning!

Check it out: https://k12dive.tradepub.com/free/w_defa10735/

05/28/2026

A new National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report underscores a growing need in K–12 education: data and computing can’t be taught in isolation.

The report emphasizes integrating these skills across subjects like math and science, starting in early grades and building over time, to better reflect how students will use computing and data in the real world.

It also highlights the importance of supporting educators through professional learning so they feel confident bringing these concepts into instruction: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/integrating-data-and-computing-into-k-12-education-is-critical-and-requires-coordinated-approach-to-be-effective-says-new-report

05/27/2026

Did you know? According to Code.org, 83% of parents and 64% of principals in rural and small-town communities believe offering computer science is just as important—or more important—than any other required course.

This growing support reflects what we know across Tennessee: access to high-quality computer science and STEM learning helps prepare students for the opportunities of tomorrow.

That's why our Tennessee Rural STEM Collaborative works alongside educators across the state to expand equitable STEM opportunities through professional learning, collaboration, and innovative practices in areas like computer science integration, career awareness, family engagement, and community partnerships.

When rural educators are empowered with the right tools and connections, students gain access to learning experiences that build critical 21st-century skills and connect them to future pathways.

Learn more about how we support rural STEM education across Tennessee: https://www.tsin.org/tennessee-rural-stem-collaborative/

05/26/2026

As AI tools become more present in K–12 learning, many educators are asking the same question: how do we guide student use in a way that supports learning, critical thinking, and integrity?

This piece from the Computer Science Teachers Association highlights an important shift in perspective: responsible AI use isn’t about banning or blindly adopting tools—it’s about anchoring decisions in the professional responsibility teachers already carry to support student learning and do no harm.

It also reinforces a key takeaway for CS and STEM educators: students are already using AI, which makes classroom guidance, modeling, and discussion more important than ever.

Click here to read: https://csteachers.org/teaching-in-the-age-of-ai-what-responsible-use-really-means/

05/22/2026

This guide from Government Technology News explores how education systems can begin thinking about AI integration across K–12, higher education, and career pathways—from embedding AI literacy into learning expectations to building policies and systems that support responsible implementation.

For Tennessee educators and leaders working to prepare students for an AI-driven future, this resource may offer helpful insights as these conversations continue to evolve.

Explore the guide here: https://papers.govtech.com/Addressing-the-AI-Skills-Gap-Ensuring-Students-Can-Use-AI-in-Learning-Careers-and-Life-144593.html

05/21/2026

Encourage your students to explore STEM careers through the Naval Horizons essay contest!

The Naval Horizons STEM Essay Contest invites students to explore cutting-edge STEM topics impacting the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, including:
• Autonomy
• Oceanography
• Cybersecurity
• Undersea medicine
• & More

Through a series of engaging videos, students will learn from scientists and engineers working in these fields and reflect on how STEM innovation shapes the future. Students are encouraged to research a featured STEM topic, explore future technologies, and write an essay describing how these careers and advancements inspire them.

Submissions close June 16.

Learn more and share this opportunity!: https://www.navalhorizons.us/

05/20/2026

We want to hear from you!

For those who attended the 2026 TSIN Summit, what stood out most to you?

Was it a session, a speaker, a new idea, or a connection you made with fellow educators and partners?

Your feedback helps us continue shaping meaningful, high-impact STEM learning experiences across Tennessee.

05/18/2026

Last week we had the opportunity to attend the NAYGN conference and share our K–2 nuclear energy curriculum and classroom resources with an incredible audience of emerging nuclear professionals. It was exciting to introduce tools designed to help bring nuclear science into early elementary classrooms and spark curiosity about clean energy from the very beginning of a student’s learning journey.

We’re especially grateful to the support that made this work possible. Thank you to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Wes Hines, and the Tennessee Economic and Community Development office for helping bring this project to life and for supporting efforts to expand nuclear education.

It was inspiring to connect with hundreds of new nuclear professionals who are passionate about outreach and education. We’re excited to see these resources used in communities across the country as NAYGN members engage with local schools and help the next generation learn about nuclear energy.

05/14/2026

Level up your computer science teaching this summer!

Join TSIN and the Tennessee Department of Education for Computer Science Summer Workshops across the state:
• June 8–10 – TCAT Smyrna
• June 15–17 – Cocke County Innovation Center, Newport
• June 22–24 – Southwest Tennessee Community College, Memphis

Workshops include TSIN CS Academy sessions for grades K–8 and the CTE Digital Technology Summer Institute for high school educators. There’s no cost to attend! Just plan for your own travel and meals.

See workshop details and register today using the link below!
https://bit.ly/4da1KCL

Address

1207 18th Avenue S
Nashville, TN
37212

Telephone

+1 615-727-1402

Website

http://www.tsin.org/

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