Independence Elementary STEM was once again named a STEM School of Excellence by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), making it the third straight year that the school’s exemplary STEM programming is being recognized on a global level.

The ITEEA STEM School of Excellence designation recognizes “schools that have demonstrated a commitment to providing a robust Integrative STEM education program,” according to the ITEEA press release. This prestigious award not only celebrates schools and staff who work hard to develop and provide these experiences for their students, but by showcasing exemplary STEM initiatives, also aims to provide other schools with ideas and inspiration to expand their own programs.

This year, ITEEA named 30 K-12 schools, spanning all across the United States, Paraguay, and China, as recipients of its STEM School of Excellence Recognition. Independence Elementary STEM was the only Minnesota school honored. 

Independence Elementary STEM became an official STEM school in September 2019, and has been growing its STEM programming ever since. Since the beginning, the school has been committed to making learning more engaging through STEM-driven instruction.

In addition to specific STEM-focused classes, STEM practices are integrated within all content areas across all classes. Students regularly engage in learning that follows the Engineering Design Process and utilizes the 4Cs: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking.

The school will be acknowledged at the ITEEA national conference taking place in April, and after which will be sent a certificate and banner to display.

To learn more about Independence’s STEM-driven curriculum, visit indy.biglakeschools.org/academics/stem.