NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASHBURN, VA (August 18, 2023)—JASON Learning has been honored with a prestigious Best of STEM Award in the category of “CTE Champions: Career Exploration” for its “Pathways to Success” curriculum developed in partnership with Stafford County Public Schools and funded by GO Virginia Region 6.
The Educators Pick Best of STEM® Awards recognize JASON Learning’s excellence in creating impactful educational curricula and fostering career exploration opportunities for students.
“Pathways to Success” equips middle school students with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in various career paths. Through engaging content and interactive activities, the curriculum empowers students to explore different industries and make informed decisions about their future.
“Stafford Schools is so appreciative to work with JASON Learning. Their expertise in creating high-quality STEM curriculum is second to none. Their support will have a generational impact in our community.”
Dr. Thomas Taylor, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools
The Educations Pick Best of STEM® Awards are regarded as an esteemed recognition in STEM education, as they are evaluated exclusively by STEM educators. In collaboration with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), MCH Strategic Data, and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), the awards program spotlights products, technologies, and services that revolutionize STEM education.
“One of the most gratifying aspects of my role is producing content that is influenced by the groundbreaking work of STEM professionals. The practical experiences and wisdom these experts bring to the table is the driving force behind the material we develop. It’s an honor to be acknowledged with this award from fellow educators who also passionately support our mission to make STEM education accessible to all students!”
Debra Hill, Vice President of Curriculum Development at JASON Learning
To determine the winners, a rigorous two-part evaluation process was conducted. An expert panel of judges, consisting of esteemed professionals including Dr. Linda Johnson-McClinton, Dr. Lance Brand, Dr. Jeffrey Crapper, Dr. Omah M. Williams-Duncan, Kim Collazo, Christina Wilson, Jamica Craig, and Erin Barr, reviewed the submissions. Subsequently, over 267,000 STEM educators were invited to evaluate the finalists through a comprehensive survey.
JASON Learning takes pride in its ongoing dedication to innovation and excellence in STEM education. JASON’s award-winning curricula continue to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.
For a complete list of the Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2023 Awards Winners, please refer to the table below:
Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2023 Awards Winners
| Best Educator Support for Teaching & Learning | BrainPOP Science |
| Best Freebies for STEM Careers | STEM Careers Coalition (Discovery Education) |
| Best Freebies for STEM Curriculum Integration | FILTERED (HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology) |
| Best Innovation for 2023 | ExploreLearning Frax |
| Best Integration of English Language Arts (STEAM) | CS Connections—Coding with Poetry Module (Code.org) |
| Best of STEM: Computer Science Grades PK– 5 | CodeMonkey |
| Best of STEM: Computer Science Grades 6–12 | LUMA (Pitsco Education) |
| Best of STEM: Culturally Relevant Teaching Grades K–5 | STEM Sports® Supplemental Curriculum |
| Best of STEM: Culturally Relevant Teaching Grades 6–12 | Code.org Culturally Responsive 6–12 Curriculum |
| Best of STEM: Most Comprehensive Culturally Relevant Teaching | Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (Carolina Biological) |
| Best of STEM: Engineering Project Kit | Drone Maker Kit (Pitsco Education) |
| Best of STEM: Engineering Inquiry-Based Program | A World in Motion (SAE International) |
| Best of STEM: Environmental Science | CS Connections—Simulating a Marine Ecosystem (Code.org) |
| Best of STEM: Life Sciences | Breakout Box: Body Systems Mission (Learning Undefeated) |
| Best of STEM: Phenomena-Based Teaching Grades K-5 | Collaborate Science ML-PBL Powered (Accelerate Learning) |
| Best of STEM: Phenomena-Based Teaching Grades 6-8 | BrainPOP Science |
| Best of STEM: Physics | Meter Stick Optics Complete System (PASCO Scientific) |
| Best of STEM: Robotics: Most Innovative | Evo (Ozobot) |
| Best of STEM: Robotics: Most Flexible Implementation | Finch Robot 2.0 (BirdBrain Technologies) |
| Best of STEM: Video-Based Learning | PASCO Academy (PASCO Scientific) |
| Bridging the Gap—Adaptive Technology | ALEKS (McGraw Hill) |
| Bridging the Gap—English Language Learners: Multiple Language Support | Code.org |
| Bridging the Gap—English Language Learners: Science & Literacy | Building Blocks of Science 3D (Carolina Biological) |
| Bridging the Gap—Math Intervention Resources | ExploreLearning Reflex |
| CTE Champion: Mechanical Engineering | Sphero Blueprint Build Kit |
| CTE Champion: Career Explorations | Pathways to Success (JASON Learning) |
| CTE Training: Health Science—ECG Training | ECG Simulators (Realityworks) |
| CTE Training: Health Science—Training Kits | Carolina® Healthcare Simulations Kit Series (Carolina Biological) |
| Social Impact Award: Developing Citizen Scientists | Beyond the Water Bottle: Minimizing Microplastic Pollution (JASON Learning) |
| Trailblazer Award: Hybrid Learning Superhero | Carolina Distance Learning® Online Gateway |
| Trailblazer Award: Early Learning Grades PK–5 | CS Connections Curricula (Code.org) |
| Trailblazer Award: Immersive Reality | Eduverse (Avantis Education) |
| Trailblazer Award: Inspiring Computational Thinking | Ellipsis Education |
| Trailblazer Award: Cross-Curricular Coding | Coding with Vehicle Sensor Technologies Kit (PASCO Scientific) |
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About JASON Learning
JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for Pre-K-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/.
JASON Media Contact: Jenna Davis, jdavis@jason.org.
About Catapult X
Founded by Daylene Long, Catapult X is a market and product development company that consults exclusively with science and STEM/STEAM education industry partners—organizations, businesses, and associations—to catapult their brand and products forward by using data-driven insights.
Long catapults brand, product, and sales growth through alignment of data and strategy, using progressive research techniques and customer discovery. Long publishes national surveys on STEM education and STEM marketing infographics to guide edtech marketers across the globe. Long is an affiliate member of the Council of State Science Supervisors, a member of NSELA, and a twenty-year member of NSTA. Long connects her clients to administrators, educators, distributors, and media to build strong global partnerships.
About MCH Strategic Data
MCH Strategic Data is a first-class leading provider of data and technology solutions in education, religion, healthcare and government. MCH is dedicated to providing superior solutions through its ongoing investment in people, data and technology. Learn more at www.mchdata.com or find them on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit www.nsta.org, or follow NSTA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About NABT
Since being established in 1938, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) has been the recognized “leader in life science education.” Thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the globe; keep up with trends and developments in the field; and grow professionally. For more information about NABT, please visit www.NABT.org.
