Teachers are not just educators but mentors, guides, and role models who profoundly impact students’ lives. For many teachers, the educator profession feels more like a calling, a strong internal motivation to work to have a positive and lasting impact on students’ lives. Not all teachers understand that calling until life allows them to experience the impact potential.
Jaimee Childs, Engineering Teacher, at Neshoba Central High School in Neshoba County, didn’t start her professional career thinking she’d be a teacher.
“I originally went to school to be a biological engineer,” shared Childs. “After graduating from Mississippi State University, I was asked to fill in as an emergency substitute teacher for a semester. After a few weeks of being in this position, I realized that this is exactly what God made me to do. I quickly began working on my alternate route license. Here I am, still in education, 15 years later!”
Childs hasn’t let her degree in biological engineering go to waste. She actively introduces students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) by fostering engagement and developing critical thinking that can prepare students for future careers in STEM fields. STEM education enhances academic performance and promotes problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation skills, which are essential for success in the 21st century.
“I operate as a hands-on learner and love to figure out things. Because of these personal characteristics, I felt it would be a disservice not to expose my students to this,” shared Childs. “STEM is exactly that! Plus, I get the benefit of teaching a STEM-related class.”
Often, teachers have to look outside the school district to further their students’ engagement in STEM, such as grants. The TVA STEM Classroom Grant Program, sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated (BVI, a TVA retiree organization), is designed to fund STEM learning projects in classrooms and schools in the TVA service area.
Childs was awarded funds from the TVA STEM Classroom Grant Program to bring integrative projects to her Neshoba Central High School.
“TVA has financially provided me with the ability to create a problem-solving environment and make projects like the one we are currently completing. Because students have choices in materials, their projects have become much more creative,” explained Childs. “They don’t feel as restricted or limited. I would never have been able to do this without TVA’s help.”
“Right now, students are using the engineering design process to create a tool, toy, or device that can be used to help with occupational or speech therapy sessions,” explained Childs. “Students are not just using it in theory, but are getting to make prototypes. They are improving after getting feedback from peers, myself, and professionals. Their designs will be donated to the school for therapy sessions. Through this process, students use science, technology, engineering, and math to create and improve.”
When asked what students think of STEM projects? Childs responded, “They have seemed to enjoy this specific exercise because they are making a difference for someone. I have learned that it helps when they can see the fruit of their labor.”
While teaching wasn’t Childs first career path, she understood the importance of teachers to students long before she chose to become one. And lived close to the one who impacted her the most.
“My mom is the teacher who impacted me the most, not because she is my mom,” shared Childs. “I learned so many concepts in her science classes that I used in many of my engineering classes in college. I was prepared for college because of her. I also witnessed firsthand the sacrifices she made for students and players that impacted them for a lifetime. I strive to do the same thing. (I think it was contagious!)”
Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those making the most significant impact, there can be lots of joy in the profession.
“I would 100% say that I love the relationships I develop with kids. I get to provide a safe place for many students and be a voice of reason when they need it,” shared Childs. “While I do hope that students walk away from my classroom having learned, I want most of all that they leave me knowing that they are loved.”
Advice Childs would give to aspiring teachers.
“It is okay to let students struggle,” shared Childs. “Don’t immediately give them answers. Ask them questions to get them thinking. Most importantly, let them know that they are valued and loved!”
For any teacher looking to expand STEM in their classroom, TVA and Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. are proud to be able to invest in these teachers and their students, knowing there is a shortage of STEM workers across the country and region. Please note that their Robotics Awards application period continues until May 15 at tva.com/robotics, and they will again be accepting applications for STEM awards in August at tva.com/STEM.
*Photos courtesy of Jaimee Childs
